Esther E. Sellers
Esther Sellers
Esther E. (Tuomi) Sellers passed from this world Sunday, August 11, 2019. Esther was born in Poulsbo, WA, August 31, 1929. The daughter of Finnish immigrants, she attended a one room school house and learned English from her older brother. On the family farm, they had an ideal childhood and grew much of their own food and raised chickens. Upon graduating high school, she attended college at Central Washington College of Education (Central Washington University) after a teacher suggested the career. She graduated in 1951 with a degree in elementary education.
She began teaching in Puyallup, WA and later moved to San Francisco for four years. Upon her return, she taught in the Northshore School District before settling into the Edmonds School District. In 1983, she retired after 30 1/2 years of teaching. Volunteering became her next vocation; in classrooms, Stevens Hospital, The Nordic Heritage Museum and on the Edmonds Memorial Cemetery Board. Through her Central friendships, she became involved with The Men and Women of the 50’s reunion committee and scholarship fund.
Her long retirement meant lots of time for travel and hobbies. She made four trips to Finland meeting numerous cousins. These trips included visits to Norway, Estonia and Leningrad. She mastered the Finnish language, taking adult classes at the Finnish Lutheran Church. Stateside trips with family and friends were also highlights, plus breakfast and lunches. Her love of reading keep her busy and connected, plus working in the yard and baking. She was blessed with good health and Finnish sisu; strength, perseverance and resilience. She remained interested in current events and connected to friends and family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Ronald W. Sellers; brother, Ernest Tuomi and sister-in-law, Shirley Tuomi. She is survived by her daughter, Lynn Sellers Kacatin, son-in-law, Emmanuel Kacatin and two grandchildren, as well as her sister and brother-in-law, Linda and Harold Thornton a niece and nephews.
At her request there will be no services. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Medic One Foundation, Meals On Wheels, or Evergreen Hospice.
14 Responses to “Esther E. Sellers”
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Dear Lynn & Family,
What a memorable history about your amazing Mother. A life well lived. Peace, Kathleen
Lynn and family
What a nice photo of Esther! All of us who knew and loved her shall miss her. She always had something interesting to discuss. She so loved books which she always shared with us. There were so many interesting stories of her life. After taking a writing class she wrote a memoir which was very well done and a joy to read.
Take care. May your memories of Esther comfort you going forward.
Lynn and family, what an awesome obituary. Your mom had such a full life with many accomplishments. My only regret was not meeting her before her passing. My deepest sympathy to all of you. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Love you all. The Hartnett Family
Lynn,
I’m so sorry to hear about Aunt Esther’s passing. She is a great woman who made the world a better place. It was always a joy to see her during family get-togethers and she never failed to make me laugh. My deepest sympathy goes out to you.
Much love,
Reland
Lynn,
I was so sorry to hear about Esther. She was always such a joy to be around and such a positive person.
I know how hard it is to lose your mom, take good care and be gentle with yourself
Much love,
Gretchen
Lynn and family,
Esthers memory
our deepest condolences.
Much love,
Mailis and family
So very sorry to hear this. Mrs. Sellers was my third grade teacher at Sherwood Elementary in Edmonds. She was my favorite. Much love to Lynn and her family. Memory eternal ❤️
Your mom lead a wonderful life. Seems like a million years ago I baby sat you. I ran into her at Steven’s Hospital once or twice over the years. She was always so encouraging when I had a crush on a neighborhood boy back in my teens. What wonderful memories from the Lake Ballinger neighborhood. My heart goes out to you. It’s just so hard losing your mom. Prayers to you and your family.
Lynn,
I am so sorry for your loss! I remember being at your house probably in junior high, and really liking your mom. I always enjoyed seeing her over the years. Having just lost my mom in May, I can deeply relate to what a huge loss you have just suffered. Love and prayers to you and your family.
Debbie (Hogan) Fowler
Lynn…Brad & i are so sorry to hear about your mom. We send our condolences at this time.
Nani Hixenbaugh
Just found out about your mother, and I’m so sorry to hear the news. I taught music at Sherwood Elementary for a number of years with your mom. She was a special friend and we enjoyed spending time together. Love to your family.
Alice
I just came across a notice of your mom’s passing. I am so sorry for your loss.
She was both my daughter’s teacher at Sherwood, second grade and 3rd grade. She was their favorite teacher.
I worked at Stevens Hospital and we would chat whenever she was on her volunteer day.
What a kind and special teacher your mom was with her students. She left a lasting impression on many at Sherwood Elementary in Edmonds. She was dearly loved.
I was just thinking of your mom and dad. Hadn’t realized she had passed. My condolences. I remember them both fondly.
I just found out that your mom died. I was her student teacher at Sherwood for16 weeks in a program that was intended to allow new teachers to work alongside their cooperating teachers in their first year of teaching. That didn’t happen and I was assigned to Hazelwood. Esther was a wonderful mentor. I still have a letter she gave me when she learned I was engaged. Our conversations over the years were so helpful. I called and caught up a few years back as I retired from teaching
One of my memories was when the sweetest most soft spoken person I knew had finally had enough of a noisy class. She slammed a big book down on a desk, startling me as much as the class, and then just went on calmly as if nothing had happened.