Just a few weeks shy of her 101st birthday, our mother, Edythe Swanson, passed on Aug. 16 after a long life marked by love, family and friendship.

She was a true homemaker from an era when women took care of their husbands and children, raised vegetables and fruit in the garden, preserved the fall harvest, and sewed our clothes.

With determination and wit, she amazed family and friends with her strength, reminding us frequently that “I can do it,” and teaching us that if you don’t do it while you can, you will lose the ability.

An avid gardener, she moved to her new house on Whidbey at age 79 and landscaped the entire yard on her own. She was a creative spirit who loved fabric, sewing fine clothes, knitting, quilting, darning and other hand-work.

She made wedding gowns, tailored clothes for others, created porcelain dolls, and even learned to make fur coats and shoes. There wasn’t a sewing task she didn’t enjoy!

She is survived by her son, Donald Swanson, daughter, Joyce Swanson, daughter-in-law, Judy Fryberg, and their families. She cherished her grand- and great-grandchildren, numerous nieces/nephews and friends. Always ready to make new friends regardless of age, Edythe was a good listener and had lots to share. She helped new neighbors feel welcome with a loaf of fresh bread or a jar of jam and showed us that making connections with others is one of life’s joys.

Good food and proper nourishment were always important to her. When asked the secret to a long life, she said, “Fresh vegetables!”

If you’d like to honor Edythe, we invite you to make a donation in her name to the Good Cheer Food Bank, P.O. Box 144, Langley WA, 98260.

The family would like to thank our caregivers and WhidbeyHealth Hospice Team, who cared for Edythe with compassion, humor and wisdom. She lived long and well; we miss her deeply with great love.