Eunice H Bellerud
June 27, 1927 - September 12, 2008
Obituary
Eunice H. Bellerud
Wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, Eunice passed away Friday, September 12, 2008, peacefully with her husband by her side.
Eunice Harriet Syverson, was born on June 27, 1927 in Adams, North Dakota.
She is survived by her husband, Melvin of Auburn, children, Trudy Wood Bill, Tom Bellerud Nancy, and Jackie Cole Dan; grand children, Troy, Ericka Shane Pitman and Jeff; and great-grand daughter Samantha. Eunice is also survived by her sisters, Dorothy Bylin and Ginger Wikmark, brother John and numerous nieces and nephews, Eunice was preceded in death by her brother Gordon.
Eunice married Melvin Bellerud in 1946, a World War II veteran from the neighboring town. They settled down on a farm in Walsh County, ND, where all three children were born. In 1961, the Bellerud family moved to Seattle, Washington.
Eunice worked at Art’s Food Center as a grocery clerk many years. After being held up at gun point several times she decided to follow the rest of the family and went to work at Boeing since that seemed to be a ‘family’ tradition as both her parent’s, her husband, daughters and both son-in-laws worked there.
She worked there for 5 years before finally retiring for good to travel with her husband and play with her grandchildren who meant the world to her.
Eunice lived an exciting and fulfilling life. She and Melvin traveled to 49 of the 50 states, and visited Norway 7 times. She loved her Norwegian heritage and brought many of the traditions into her family celebrations. Baking and entertaining were her passions, those who knew her would be quick to recall stopping by for a batch of homemade donuts or a pan of cinnamon rolls that she was famous for. She had a special knack for throwing large parties and was a gracious hostess nobody loved a party more than her. She loved company and made everyone who came into their home feel special and welcomed.
Eunice was active in her community, including Calvary Lutheran Church, and the Auburn Sons of Norway Vesterdalen Lodge where she was the 1st female president.
Even though she spent the last 2 years of her life at Stafford Healthcare she remained extremely active in spite of all her health issues, and she wanted to be on the ‘go’ all the time. We recently joked with her that she was like the mafia, still running her family from the ‘inside’.
Eunice was deeply loved and she will be greatly missed by both her family and her large network of friends. All of us can take pride knowing that we were able to share in the life of an amazing woman.
I had the pleasure of knowing Eunice and Mel from stafford. She was a warm, sweet, kind lady whom I felt was my friend. My thoughts and prayers go to the family at this very difficult time. With warmest wishes for you all……..Melody
A note to Mother, Grandma, and of course, Great-Grandma….
They say that memories are golden,
and maybe that is true
We never wanted memories,
we only wanted you.
A million times,we needed you.
a million times we cried
If love from us could save you,
you never would have died.
In life,we loved you dearly,
in death we love you still
in our hearts, you hold a special place,
that no one else can fill.
Our family chain is broken,
and nothing seems the same,
But as God calls us, one by one,
the chain will link again.
Our life won’t be the same….
We’ll miss and love you always.
We know you are in a better place
where there is no more pain.
Trudy and Family
Our heart felt sympathy is with you at this time.
Our sincere and heartfelt sympathy to Mel and to all the family. We especially remember Eunice for her ability to make one feel welcome and part of her family. We think often of the seeming ease with which she prepared memorable dinner parties that would intimidate those of us who were less talented and more faint-of-heart; of her pride in her Norwegian heritage and the delight she took in attending family reunions — and those lutefisk dinners, as much for the opportunity to meet with old friends as for the fish; and even of her yard-sale prowess and knack for finding hidden treasures. Mostly though, we remember Eunice for her strong convictions and dedication to her friends, her church, her community and most notably, to her family. She was one-of-a-kind and I smile when I think of her. We will miss her and will remember her always with fondness and love.
Our heart felt sympathy is extended to Eunice’s family. Mel and Eunice were so very helpful to us when we first joined Vesterdalen Lodge and made us feel very welcome. It was our pleasure to join them in making lefse for the annual lutefisk dinner. We genuinely loved and admired Eunice for her happy disposition despite the many health problems she has had over the past several years. We will truly miss her.
Our prayers are with you, Melvin and family. Eunice was always such a joy to be around. Now her smile is lighting up Heaven at the Iverson reunion there!