Elsie Marie Edstrom
May 22, 1918 - August 21, 2009
Obituary
Elsie Marie Edstrom
May 22, 1918 – August 21, 2009
Elsie Marie Edstrom was born May 22, 1918, in Duluth, MN, to Elias and Matilda Solem. She had two sisters and one brother, all of whom preceded her in death. She was raised on a dairy farm – milking cows and haying. At 14 years of age, she delivered milk to the creamery, often racing boys also delivering milk. She probably arrived first.
She met Bernard at a dance when she was 16 years old. They saw each other during the summer months for five years and were married on April 22, 1939. They continued to live in Duluth where daughter, Dorothy, was born. In 1942, when Bernie’s job on the shipping docks ended, they moved to Seattle, seeking new opportunities. Bernie went to work at Todd’s Shipyard. Elsie returned to Duluth for the birth of Roger in 1943, returning to Seattle after six weeks. They lived in South Seattle and Elsie worked in various frozen food canneries performing seasonal work prior to her employment with the Boeing Company in 1953. She was told the only job available was as a ‘rivet bucker,’ and she accepted the job. She always believed she could do anything she set her mind to doing. She never bucked a rivet but worked as a clerk in tool storage until her retirement in 1980.
The family moved to Des Moines in 1953 where she and Bernie lived for 49 years until their move to Foundation House in Federal Way.
Elsie and Bernie loved to travel and made their first trip to Scandinavia in 1964, visiting the homes of their parents in Norway and Sweden. They were able to make the acquaintance of many relatives with whom they have remained in contact to this day. They also traveled to Hawaii, England, Switzerland, Mexico, with many trips to Minnesota to visit relatives, and California to visit son, Roger, and family. They often traveled with friends, attending the Calgary Stampede; Pendleton Roundup, and the shows in Branson, MO. Their first cruise was a three-week trip through the Panama Canal. They also cruised to Alaska in 1996.
They loved to camp and owned two different campers, followed by ownership of two different travel trailers. When Bernie was no longer able to drive, they sold their trailer and bought a 28-ft. Class C motor home and Elsie took over the driving. She was 80 years old and would back the motor home into their driveway off busy First Avenue.
She enjoyed doing crafts of all kinds: sewing, rug-making, Norwegian hardanger needlework, oil painting, making baskets and boxes using greeting cards, and quilt-making at church.
Elsie and Bernie were charter members of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Seattle and also charter members of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, SeaTac, where she taught Sunday school. She and Bernie were very active with the church’s 39er’s Senior group. They were members of the Valley Good Sam Drifters RV club for more that 20 years; the Swedish Club now Swedish Cultural Center where she could be found the first Sunday of each month whipping cream for the Swedish Pancake Breakfasts, Vannerna Women’s Auxiliary of the SCC; Frihet Lodge of VASA Order of America; Sons of Norway Vesterdalen Lodge; and was a member of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers for over 50 years.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Bernard, of almost 69 years. She is survived by her daughter Dorothy Lloyd Hartley, Kent, WA; son, Roger Vera Edstrom, Los Altos, CA; grandchildren, Jennifer Craig Carlson, Spanaway, WA; Christopher Julie Hartley, Seattle, WA; Peter Bridgette Hartley, Renton, WA; Erik Jenny Edstrom, Santa Clara, CA; and Karin Edstrom, Sunnyvale, CA; and eight great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests remembrances to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Franciscan Hospice, 2901 Bridgeport Way West, University Place, WA 98466; or a charity of the donor’s choice.
DEEPLY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.
DEANNA & PAUL JACQUIN
Dorothy & family: I have a lot of wonderful memories of your Mom & Dad & our friendship & Holly Park, she was a wonderful lady & you will always remember her – your Mother…..
My thoughts are with you my goodest friend! Mary
We love you and we miss you Grandma & Great-Grandma.
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Elsie was a special lady.
Bob Stennes Shanin Calnon for Bob Stennes
We are both very sad to hear of the passing of Elsie. We know for sure she is in a better place & again with her beloved Bernie who has been saving a special place next to him where she belongs. She was joy to know & be around. As much as she was a lady she could also be an imp, as my wife called her. On one camp out a couple was celebrating their anniversary & Elsie got the idea that after they retired that we as group go to their motorhome & sing Happy Anniversary & then rock the motorhome.She will be missed by all her friends as much as she will by her family.