La Verne E. Seaburg
May 20, 1924 - July 22, 2010
Obituary
LaVerne E. Seaburg, 86, passed away Thursday, July 22, 2010, in Kent., Washington. Born May 20, 1924, in Braddock, PA.to Anna and Emil Johnson, she lived most of her life in the Seattle area.
Known for her wicked sense of humor and signature red hair LaVerne became the chief breadwinner for seven brothers and sisters at age 17, working at the Pittsburgh ‘Five and Dime’ when her mother died unexpectedly. She moved up in the corporate world when she went to work for Westinghouse where she avoided the steno pool by refusing to become a typist and took a position in the transportation department, making travel arrangements for executives. She translated that knowledge into a job as a United Airlines reservation agent in Seattle where she met her life-long partner and husband through a quirk of fate. Working at United’s downtown office, LaVerne heard of another LaVerne working for United at Sea-Tac. Intrigued by their unusual matching names, the pair deified company policy regarding fraternization and met at the Outrigger for drinks. Soon after they shared more than a first name when the pair married in 1955 in Colorado Springs before settling down in Seattle’s Rainier Valley. With the experience of raising her six brothers and sisters under her belt, LaVerne was no stranger to parenting and had four children of her own. She did not let her lack of a driver’s license stop the family from going on many adventures around Seattle. While other kids were shepherded around in the family station wagon, LaVerne taught her children to navigate the bus system and instilled a life-long belief that you could walk just about anywhere. It was not uncommon for LaVerne and her brood to be seen pushing a stroller up steep hills and walking for miles to get anywhere from the grocery store to the Seattle Center World’s Fair. When all of her children were in school, LaVerne went to work for Campbell Hill Elementary School in Skyway as the ‘playground lady’ and as a teacher’s assistant. Scores of Skyway voters met LaVerne when she worked the Kings County Election polls and as a member of the library board. In her 50’s, LaVerne finally gave in and learned to drive. Her new found driving skills and love for a bargain opened new worlds for LaVerne and became one of the happiest times of her life. No one could match her shopping skills. She used those skills abroad when she and husband ‘Verne’ traveled to Australia, Singapore and Hong Kong. Joining several bowling teams at Skyway Bowl, she enjoyed honing her skills and the comradery of her fellow teammates. LaVerne’s infectious smile, quick wit and affection will be missed by family and friends alike.
Special thanks go to the staff at Kent’s Arbor Village’s Memore Care unit. Her large orange cat Zeus was a favorite companion.
LaVerne was preceded in death by her sister Ceil Kisasonak, Adair Wood and brother Ray Johnson. LaVerne is survived by her husband, LaVerne H. Seaburg, sons, Bruce and Harold Seaburg, daughters, Kim Cooper and Michele Seaburg , granddaughters, Alexa and Hayley Wakefield and Ashley and Chelsea Seaburg and grandson Patrick Wakefield. She is also survived by brother, Emil Johnson and sisters, Darlene Brooky, JoAnn Mahon and Selma Stalla.
A graveside service will be held Tuesday, July 27, 2010 at 1 p.m. at Bonney-Watson Memorial Park,, 16445 International Blvd. Seattle.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Providence Hospice of Seattle, 425 Pontius Ave. N., Suite 300, Seattle, WA 98109.
You may share your thoughts and memories of LaVerne in the online guestbook at: www.bonneywatson.com.
One of best Moms that anyone could ever ask for. Fit the description so well. Alway’s there when I needed somone to listen to me, fixed the best pork roast Sunday dinners, and french toast breakfasts. Made the best meatloaf sandwiches for school. I always knew when the day was officially over because I would hear the national anthem on the tv in the living room then it going to the snow screen and mom was sound asleep on the couch. Thanks for all the walks you took us on which probably gave me the love for hiking today. We miss you here on Earth but I am sure Heaven has welcomed you with open arms.
Love You!!
Harold.
The universe lost some of its sparkle when you passed away on Thursday mom. You touched many lives at Campbell Hill Elementary school and of course in your own family. I hope heaven has a discount store where you can browse to your heart’s content. Love you mom.