Edith S. Von der Heiden, age 86, of Zionsville, passed away on July 9, 2024 in Lehigh Valley Hospital - Cedar Crest in Allentown. Born in Jersey City, NJ, she was a daughter of the late Walter Setterstone. She was the loving wife of the late Kermit C. Von der Heiden, Jr. with whom she shared 51 years of marriage.

Edith graduated from Henry Snyder High School. She earned her B.S. in Education, graduating Cum Laude from Jersey City State College, Jersey City, New Jersey. She earned her M.S. in Education, specializing in Elementary Science from Jersey City State College. She went on to earn her Professional Diploma from Colombia University in Early Childhood Education. She earned her Principal Certification and Administrator Certification from Newark State College, Union, New Jersey.

She began her career as a teacher of fourth and fifth grades and served on the curriculum committee for the Board of Education, Jersey City, New Jersey. She next was Assistant Professor of Education and Demonstration Teacher for "The Lab School", Jersey City State College during which time she was the Science Curriculum Coordinator.

She also taught education at the college level at Richmond College, and Wagner College, both of Staten Island, New York.

For over 25 years, she was Principal and Coordinator of Special Services, Hilltop School, Mendham, New Jersey, which included programs for the gifted and talented, special needs, and computer literacy. She developed an individualized instructional program based on continuous progress. The school was selected as a model school for the New Careers Program. During this time, she also acted as Affirmative Action Officer, chaired district-wide curriculum commitees in science, reading and mathematics, served as Acting Principal of the middle school, Acting Superintendent of Schools and finally was Principal of the Regional Day School, a school for disabled students ages 3-21, located in Morris Township, New Jersey.

She had served as a member and or officer of over 11 professional associations, including as president of Morris County Association of Elementary and Middle School Administrators, a member of the Executive Council of the New Jersey Principals' and Supervisors' Association, of which she was a life member, a founding member of Educational Computer Association of Morris County, a member of the State Department of Education Task Force, New Jersey Schoolmasters. She was the first recipient of the Distinguished Principal's Award for Educational Leadership. She also was a member of the National Honor Society, Kappa Delta Pi (Education Honor Society), Who's Who in American Education, Recipient of the Lawrence Passerella Memorial Award for outstand Educational Leadership and Service, N.J. Principal's and Supervisors Association. She was a member of St. Anne's Episcopal Church in Trexlertown and a Rose Club Member.

Edith enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, great granddaughter, reading, gardening, scrapbooking and needlepoint. In her final years she enjoyed spending time with her beloved caregiver, Zibiah.

Edith is survived by her daughters, Edythe May wife of Stephen Alexander of Annapolis, MD and Serena Faith wife of Peter J. Roland of Zionsville; grandchildren, Joshua P. Roland, Malachi J. Roland, Takoda H. Roland and his wife Jaclyn, Kessiah S. Rosario and her husband Damian, Ian Shayne Alexander, Ariana May Alexander and Evan Rhyse Alexander and great granddaughter, Kevanie.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, July 27, 2024 at 11:00 AM in St. Anne's Episcopal Church, 6667 Lower Macungie Road, Trexlertown, PA 18087. Visitation will be from 10:00-11:00 AM prior. Inurnment will be private at the convenience of the family. Schantz Funeral Home, P.C., Emmaus is handling arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made in Edith's memory to NEA Foundation, neafoundation.org, 120116th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036. Tel: 202-822-7840 Fax:202-822-7779.