Edwina R. Justice began her teaching career in 1963 and devoted more than four decades to educating children. She taught at various schools, eventually becoming a departmental mathematics teacher and later developing a curriculum for the Library Computer Center until her retirement in 2005.
Retirement wasn’t planned for Edwina. Her husband’s dementia made it necessary to leave a job she loved. After he passed in 2012, she struggled to find purpose beyond being a wife, mother, and teacher. Edwina decided to utilize her extensive knowledge of math by authoring elementary-level math books. With the help of the internet, she learned how to create and publish an iBook.
“Even as I aged, I maintained a routine and continued my creativity through extensive computer use. These factors help me find purpose,” said Edwina.
Sharing math knowledge soon became a priority. Edwina’s website, ejustmath.com, provided an avenue for making materials accessible. The book venture began in 2014, with one book published each year on Apple Books through 2017. However, Edwina realized that with so much time devoted to her work, she had little time for herself.
Yearning to experience the world beyond the city, Edwina decided to try cruising on small ships, and began with a solo voyage. Cruising provided content for her travel-related book series, Cruising Through the Blues, which consists of six books covering 2017-2019.
Cruising stopped after Edwina survived a heart attack in October 2019. Throughout her lengthy recovery, she longed to get back on the water. In 2022, her cardiologist said it was permissible to travel again, and in 2023 and 2024, she found a wonderful traveling companion.
At 86, Edwina plans to revise her website and math books, and combine her recent cruises into one last book. She remains committed to being productive and sharing her experiences.
When asked to provide advice for other retirees Edwina said, “My advice for retirement, as well as for life, follows the adage Happiness comes from within, and always be willing to share one’s blessings -- but be sure to take care of yourself!”