Edith Todd Vanderhoek

Edith Todd Vanderhoek, 76, died at home on May 31, 2026 surrounded by family and friends. Edith was born on March 20, 1950 in Jacksonville, FL to the late John Snow and Mary Linder Vanderhoek. She is survived by her sister Barbara Pepper, brother John Vanderhoek, niece LA Vanderhoek (Austin Thomas), nephew Cliff Pepper (Lindsey), nephew Mark Vanderhoek (Jill), 4 treasured great nieces and nephew, special cousin Kerry Wallace (Terry) , favorite person and caregiver, Zeline Davis, and one loving dog Teddy.

Edith earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in English Education from Florida State University in 1972 and started her 33 year teaching career in Duval County. Although she enjoyed teaching, she left after 7 years to pursue employment with the USPS. Once Edith recognized the physical demands of being a letter carrier, she moved on to real estate sales and mortgage lending. During her first year as a realtor, she earned rookie of the year honors, but she was eventually drawn back to her love of educating and mentoring students. Ever looking for self-improvement, Edith sought professional development as a school counselor through Supporters Of Academic Rigor (SOAR ). While teaching fulltime, she earned a Masters Degree in Counseling Education from the University of North Florida and election to the honor society of Phi Kappa Phi. Edith ended her career in education as a guidance counselor at her alma mater Terry Parker High School.

Edith never met a stranger. She loved people and more importantly helping young and old pursue their dreams or overcome their challenges. She was generous with her time, money and friendship. Her compassion was unequaled. She loved a silly movie, children’s toys and creatures, and cried freely over sad shows or movies. She also loved nature and hunting which was nurtured by time spent with her uncles and father in the forests of north FL and later at her cousin Kerry’s home and property in the piedmont of NC. Edith referred to that location as her “Happy Place”. For many years, she was active in the Duval County Audubon Society and served as its President.

Edith attended Christ Church and her devotion to Christian teaching can be seen in her specialty auto tag which reads LUVEVRY1 (Love Everyone). In celebration of her life, a Memorial Service will be held at Christ Church, Ponte Vedra Beach on June 30, 2026 at 11:00 am. Burial will occur in Troy, NC at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society, Jacksonville Humane Society or a charity of your choice.

The family is very thankful for the compassionate care of Dr. Maria Valente and the entire medical team of Cancer Specialists of North Florida, Dr. S. Anand, and Lori from Community Hospice of Northeast FL.