Edwina H Coder

Edwina Jane Hill Coder, 87, of Lancaster, passed away on Wednesday, September 9, 2026.

Edwina was the daughter of Edward Sterling Hill and Corinthia Hynolia (Wilhelm) Hill. She grew up in Safe Harbor Village and graduated from Penn Manor High School (1957) and Pennsylvania State University (1961). At Penn State, Edwina was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha and active in numerous campus organizations.

In 1961, Edwina married Dr. George R. Coder. For 64 years, Edwina and George shared a deeply devoted marriage and a life centered on their four sons, faith, community, and mutual love of the Chesapeake Bay.

Edwina had a lifelong commitment to civic involvement and strongly believed citizens could make a difference in their communities. She served as President of the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania and remained active in the League for many years. She also served on the boards of the YWCA, Friends of the Library, and the State Chiropractic Auxiliary, was a member of the Urban League Guild, and was active with the American Association of University Women.

She received the Jean Royer Kohr Award for her community leadership and service and was named to the Anna Estes Strawbridge Honor Roll by the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania.

Conservation of the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed became one of Edwina’s greatest passions. She served as President of the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay and as Chair of the Chesapeake Bay Program’s Citizens Advisory Committee. Her work focused on water quality, watershed protection, responsible growth, land-use planning, and environmental stewardship.

In 1993, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation named Edwina Conservationist of the Year, recognizing her commitment to protecting the Bay and the lands and waterways that sustain it.

Edwina also served as a Lancaster County Planning Commissioner. Through decades of civic involvement, she worked to balance responsible growth with preserving the natural resources she valued so deeply.

Edwina and George treasured their time on the Chesapeake Bay, where they created countless memories with family and friends aboard Sea Wings. The Bay held a special place in Edwina’s life, both as a place her family loved and as a natural resource, she devoted so many years to protecting.

Despite her many accomplishments, nothing meant more to her than her family. She had a wonderful sense of humor and loved cooking, entertaining, and filling her home with family and friends. She was an excellent cook, although her family will also fondly remember her famous “Coder Casserole”—an ever-changing creation made from whatever leftovers happened to be in the refrigerator.

She was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church of Lancaster.

Edwina was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. George R. Coder, and her daughter-in-law, Tracy Coder.

She is survived by her four sons, Dr. G. Robert Coder, Darren Coder, Brian Coder (Beth), and Christopher Coder (Jody); four grandchildren, Rebecca Capitao (Tristen), Tyler Coder (Rachel), Brandon Coder, and Logan Coder; and her great-granddaughter, Calla.

A memorial service celebrating Edwina’s life will be held Monday, September 21, 2026, at First United Methodist Church, 29 E. Walnut Street, Lancaster, PA 17602. Visitation with the family will begin at 12:00 p.m., followed by the memorial service at 1:00 p.m. Please use the church’s entrance parking lot.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Edwina’s honor may be made to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Attn: Membership Department, 6 Herndon Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21403.