Signe Gadwa Obituary (1924 – 2021) – Everett, WA

Signe E. Gadwa died peacefully in his sleep on June 27, 2021 in Marysville, Washington. She was 96 years old. She has joined her nearly 75-year-old husband Francis (Frank) Gadwa, who preceded her in death in August 2020. She leaves behind her four children and spouse Lois Carlson (Gordon), Susan Gadwa-Pruitt (Steve), Ron Gadwa (Mary), Patty Kelly (Jack). She leaves behind 6 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Signe was born on October 31, 1924 as the daughter of Finnish immigrants Gus and Lena Erickson and grew up in Hoquiam Washington. She was the youngest of eight children. Mom graduated from Hoquiam High School in 1942. She was good at numbers and soon worked for a dairy in Aberdeen, where she was an accountant. It was at the dairy that she met Frank and then married.

She was a shining example for the women of her generation. She became an extraordinary wife, mother and housewife. She was an excellent baker and seamstress and spent hours making our skate costumes that we wore to the shows. She loved her garden and laid out a beautiful and well-tended garden. She was our bluebird and campfire girl guide for years and was an early mother shuttle driver to the ice rink and wherever else we needed to go. She has promoted our interests as individuals and helped us, whether by buying ice skates, horses or motorcycles. We will miss their homemade meals and their bottomless cookie jar.

By and large, she was a calm woman who was wise, kind, and had limitless, unbiased patience. She was an excellent listener to talk to about anything. She had her opinion, but didn’t force it on us because she wanted us to think along for ourselves. By example, she taught us to live with grace and kindness, and to value time with family and friends. She really laid the foundation for what “family” means and cultivated a deep bond between us all. Most of all we will miss her smile and the way she always received us at home, no matter how many mistakes we made. She made some great footsteps along with Dad, but remembering your leadership, we hope to be people you could be proud of.

A memorial service will take place on Saturday, July 10, 2021 at 1 p.m. in the Schaefer-Shipman Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Marysville Food Bank.

October 31, 1924 – June 27, 2021

Published by The Herald (Everett) July 8th – July 9th, 2021.