Edith (Edie) Marie McRae

January 23, 1941  –  August 2, 2025

Edith Marie McRae

On August 2, 2025, we said goodbye to our beloved Edie, who passed away peacefully after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s dementia. She was a devoted wife, a cherished mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend and a true source of love and light for everyone who knew her.

 Edith was born January 23, 1941, to Carrol M. and Agnes (Swank) Brink in Billings, Montana. She attended Billings Public Schools and graduated from Billings Senior High School in 1959. She went on to earn an Associate of Arts Degree in Business from Eastern Montana College in 1961 and soon began work at Modern Refrigeration in Billings.

 While at Eastern Montana College, Edie met Calvin McRae, a student at Rocky Mountain College, from Forsyth, Montana. They were married on June 9, 1962, at The First Methodist Church in Billings. After honeymooning at the Seattle World’s Fair, the couple settled into what Edie fondly called their “Honeymoon Cottage” in Nye, Montana. Over the years, work and opportunity brought them to Absarokee, Eureka, Worden, and Glendive, Montana, before finally settling in Washington in 1991.

 From 1963 to 1968, Edie worked as a bookkeeper and receptionist for Ksanka Lumber Company in Eureka, Montana. After that, she became a full-time mother, raising three boys. Once her sons were older, she returned to the workforce and found a job at Glendive Community Hospital.

Edie enjoyed bowling, volunteering in her children’s classrooms, and cheering at their many sporting events. She loved the outdoors, camping and hiking and delighted in music, dancing, crafts and collecting a wide range of owl-themed trinkets and curios.

She had a deep affection for her pets and even found time to feed and care for strays.

More than anything, Edie relished time with family, and she especially cherished her role as grandmother. She lived with a generous spirit, always ready with a warm smile, a kind word, and a helping hand. She carried a song in her heart that lifted those around her and a playful sense of humor that reminded us to find joy in everyday moments. Her presence filled our lives with laughter, music, and love.

 She is survived by her loving husband, Calvin; her three sons, Travis (Sandi) McRae of Portland, OR, Bradley McRae of Redmond, WA, and Cory (Camilla) McRae of Winston-Salem, NC; and five grandchildren—Sydney, Valora, Courtney, Ashton, and Ashley, a brother Evan (Vickie) Brink, 4 nieces and 2 nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Carrol and Agnes Brink; and two sisters, Patricia McCranie and Barbara Hills.

 A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will be held at the All Saints Lutheran Church in Bellevue, WA, on October 18, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association in memory of Edith.