Pearl Lillian Sommer

Pearl Lillian Sommer

Pearl Lillian Sommer, 88, passed away to her Heavenly Home on February 4, 2011. Pearl was born on April 3, 1922 in Bellingham, WA. She grew up on the family farm in Stanwood, WA, graduating from Lincoln High School on May 31, 1940. The very next day she moved to Seattle, WA, to be with her sisters, and began work as a nanny. She later landed a job at The Boeing Company, where she worked as "Rosie The Riveter" during World War II. She loved the city nightlife, especially the dancing. She met her "handsome sailor", Rolland "Ron" Leroy Sommer at the Crescent Ballroom in Tacoma, WA, and the couple married on November 1, 1945. After a brief stay in Michigan, Pearl and Ron returned to Everett, where they raised their three children. They enjoyed spending time with family and going on camping and road trips. Pearl and Ron shared a wonderful marriage until Ron passed away on November 17, 1988. This began a new chapter in Pearl's life where she continued to travel, including a trip to Norway to visit extended family. She also felt blessed to share in the lives of her children, grandchildren, and great-grand-children. In 1995, Pearl wrote a short autobiography, titled "Angels and Butterflies". She wrote: "I feel as though Angels have watched over our family all these years, and still are. And Butterflies, well, someday, we will all change like the butterflies do - into someone beautiful with a body that will live forever - no pain, suffering or goodbyes. This I wish and pray for all my family."
Pearl was preceded in death by her husband, Rolland Sommer; son, David Sommer; grandson, Brandon Davis; brothers, Knute and Elmer Eckrem; sisters, Inga Haugen, Ruth Welch, Eleanor Milne, and Myrtle Sommer; and parents, Lena and Peter Eckrem from Ytre Setre, Norway.
Pearl is survived by her son, Dennis Sommer (Karen); daughter, Diane Davis (Tom); grandchildren, Aaron Sommer (Laura), Scott Sommer, Erika Scordamaglia, Kyle Sommer, Ryan Jon Sommer, and Breanne Sommer; great-grandchildren, Alanna Sommer-Smith, Elena Scordamaglia, and Audrey Pearl Sommer: brother, Pete Eckrem (Bjorg); brother-in-law, John Welch; sister-in-law, Peggy Field; cousin, Phyllis Matthews; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., on Saturday, February 12, 2011 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 2324 Lombard Avenue, Everett, WA 98201, where she has been an active member for over 50 years.
Donations can be made to Trinity in her memory,
Arrangements entrusted to Purdy & Walters w/ Cassidy.