Edna Louise Surface

Edna Louise Surface (Engstrom) 91, passed away peacefully in her home at Brookdale Lynnwood on July 21, 2015. Edna was born in Clinton, Washington, the youngest of six children of Swedish immigrants Erik and Hilda Engstrom. Edna grew up on South Whidbey Island and graduated from Langley High School at the top of her class. She fell in love with Gilbert Surface during her senior year. Her parents gave her permission to marry when she graduated and turned 18. She and Gilbert were married on June 26, 1942, four days after her 18 th birthday. After several years as a stay-at-home mom with three children, Edna ventured into the work world as a part-time Tupperware lady, which led her to pursue courses at Everett Business College. Her administrative/clerical career began at Thornhill Publishing in Everett, and lead to several posts in public service with the Snohomish County Prosecutor, the City of Everett Mayors Office and Park Department as well as the Grant County Weed District and the City of George, Washington. She and Gilbert lived in Clinton, Mukilteo, Everett, Lake Stevens, Quincy, Ephrata, East Wenatchee and Wenatchee and enjoyed winters in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. Although moving frequently, they always became active members of their local church community. Edna enjoyed word puzzles, family camping, road trips, reading, sewing, knitting and crocheting. A lifelong learner, she continued her education at local community colleges and in several Bible study groups. Ednas strength was an inspiration to all who knew her. Gilbert, her husband of more than 60 years, preceded her in death in 2004. Edna is survived by her three children; Brie Ericksson of Kenmore, James Surface and his wife, Bev, of Marysville and Sharon Eriksson. She also leaves four grandchildren; Kathleen Lilley of Minnesota, David Lilley and his wife Karen of Everett, Marc Surface of Marysville and Nicole Surface of Bothell. She is also survived by three great-grandchildren; Victoria Ruckle and Vincent Hickenbottom of Minnesota and Audrey Surface of Bothell. A graveside service commemorating her life will be held Tuesday, July 28 th at 2pm at Cypress Lawn Memorial Park in Everett, with a reception following at Brookside Lynnwood, 18625-60 th Ave W, Lynnwood WA 98037. Edna was a faithful member of North Sound Church and wished to have any donations in her name directed to the church at 404 Bell Street, Edmonds WA 98020.