Eldrid Segale
July 22, 1927 - January 15, 2022
Obituary
Eldrid Segale passed away on January 15, 2022, at 94 years old. She was at her home with family by her side. She was born on July 22, 1927, in Prince Rupert, British Columbia. Her parents, Louis and Louise, Norwegian immigrants, met in Alaska and married in Seattle. Her family was returning to the US from a trip to Norway when she came into the world early and the family detoured to Prince Rupert. They had 3 children and she was the youngest. They lived in Ballard and then moved to Kirkland, Washington. Her dad was lost at sea when she was only 14, her mother passed away when she was 23.
In 1945, Eldrid married the love of her life, Bill, and they enjoyed over 61 years together. In the early years, they, along with her sister Siby, owned the Beacon Hill tavern where she worked while she juggled 4 kids. Eventually they owned garbage companies, with good friends Bette and Ray and Fred and Gloria. She was incredibly business savvy and had an extraordinary aptitude for numbers. She was a constant assistant and confidante to dad and her family. After purchasing a third company in 1963, they relocated to Federal Way, to
manage that company. She had a business phone at home on which she answered the phones and interfaced with customers. Now juggling 5 children including a 3 month old. She and Bill also were very involved in the horse racing industry. They bred and raced horses for the majority of their married life. Horses brought them lots of joy, trips to California, and many dear friends.
Getting married at 17, and having lost both parents at such a young age, Eldrid was very close to her mother-in-law, Pauline. Learning from “Gram”, Eldrid became an amazing cook, as she learned to make homemade Italian food (ravioli, minestrone, etc.)
Her daughters have carried on the tradition of making ravioli every year for our Christmas dinner using Gram’s recipe. Her cooking skills were appreciated by family and friends as she hosted large gatherings for holidays. She also hosted many nights of pinocle and poker games.
Some of Eldrid’s favorite things were her flower gardens, vacations, walking on the beach in Maui, golfing (with dear friends, Colleen and Armie), playing games on her Ipad, and closely following politics.
After Bill passed away 15 years ago, mom enjoyed traveling to warm climates with her daughters and continued to have dinners out at her favorite restaurants. She always wanted to look her best and especially loved her mani and pedis with sparkly nail polish. Astonishingly she never had gray hair and never colored her hair in 94 years.
Eldrid was admired and respected by everyone who knew her. She was very kindhearted, loving, and always generous. We admired her for her integrity, honesty, and fairness. To her family she was brilliant, smart, had immeasurable wisdom, and remarkable common-sense. She had an exceptional memory and a very impressive vocabulary , Which was apparent while playing crossword puzzles and word games on her Ipad. She always listened intently to all her family. She was so interested in what we had going on in our lives. We constantly consulted her for her sound advice up until the end.
When the great grandchildren came along, they called her Grandma Gale and she loved that. She created that name because the great grandkids couldn’t say Gramma Segale.
Her family adored her, and she cherished her family. Her greatest joy was when the family gathered.
For many years, Eldrid was cared for at home by her daughters who she referred to as her “jewels” and wonderful nighttime aide, Naomi. She was able to live her same home for over 58 years, until her passing.
Eldrid is Survived by her daughters, Tari, Vicki, Lori, Paula, Daughter-In-law, Patty who is like a daughter to her.4 Grandchildren – Derick, Vince and his wife, Helen, Traci her husband DJ, Angela and her husband Daniel, and 9 Great-Grandchildren – Sydni, Tristan, Brayden, Anthony, Giuliana, Alexander, Chloe, Siena, Claire, and one niece, Honi and her family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; her son, Tony; son-in-law, John; her brother, Lafy; and her sister, Siby.
She lived a full life and treasured her friends and family. We miss her greatly and cherish all the special memories.
Funeral for immediate family ONLY. Friends and extended family will be invited to live-stream by invitation from the family.
Donations can be made to: Shriners Hospital for Children – Spokane, 911 W 5th Ave, Spokane, WA. 99204-2901 or Charity of your choice. Please sign the online memorial guest book at Bonneywatson.com.
She was truly a very wise and admired woman that has touched and guided thousands of lives around her. I for one, have learned a great deal from her and have applied my learnings to my life and business. She’s been a long lasting pillar to a very strong foundation for our families. She will be missed! Cheers to you Grandma Gale, and as she used to say “tastes just like downtown”!
What a lovely tribute to your dear, dear mother. The Segale home was a second home to me in junior high and high school–and I was welcomed at that kitchen table years later to sit with your parents. Your Dad was one of those “most memorable” characters and your Mother, warm and gracious, interested and non-judgmental. I have such fond memories of time in that lively and loving home. I’m so sorry for your loss.