Eloise May Washburn

Eloise Washburn, 96, of Tacoma, WA, passed away peacefully on June 15th, 2025.  She was born in Tacoma to A. Augustus and Hellen Howe. Eloise graduated from Lincoln High School and attended one year of college at UPS, studying music. Singing was her lifelong love, and she sang in the St. Paul's Methodist Church and University Place Presbyterian Church. Eloise loved opera and she and her husband, Mitch had season tickets to the Seattle Opera for many years. They also belonged to the Tacoma Opera Guild.   

Eloise married the love of her life, Mitchell Washburn, when she was 19 years old. They were married for 73 years, until his death in 2021. They enjoyed many activities together, including hiking, boating, skiing, and traveling the world. They had 3 children together, Stephen, Wendy and Karl.  

Eloise enjoyed many lifelong friends from her participation in PEO, hiking club, garden club, church, and high school. She was a very caring and loving mother, friend, sister, aunt, and wife. She always had a fun sense of humor and positive attitude. Eloise put a lot of effort into making everyone feel special on their birthday and was famous for writing heartfelt poems for her loved ones. She loved to entertain and made beautifully decorated tables and delicious food.   

Eloise was predeceased by her parents and siblings, Elmer, Dorothy, Marvin, and Byron. She is survived by her 3 children, Steve (Linda), Wendy (David, dec), Karl (Pattie). She is also survived by 2 grandchildren, Daneel (Joey) Smith, and Mark (Kristen) Washburn, and 3 great grandchildren, Jordyn and Taylor Smith, and Mattea Washburn.  

The last 4 years, Eloise lived at Cogir of the Narrows Senior Living. Thanks to all the special caregivers who treated her with so much kindness and good care. You are very much appreciated.  

There will be a Memorial Service for Eloise at University Place Presbyterian Church on August 22nd at 2:00.