Widow Edlin is the elderly lady who lives next door to Drusilla Fawley and cares for her in her final illness. Widow Edlin becomes good friends with Sue and Jude; therefore, when they attempt to marry, she comes to be their witness. Later, Widow Edlin lives with the family while Jude is sick to help care for the two young children. After the death of her children, Widow Edlin is the only one besides Jude who tries to talk sense into Sue, tries to convince her not to marry Mr. Phillotson. Unfortunately, no one listens to her.