Mary Ellen Peterson Lentz

Mary Ellen Peterson LENTZ Mary Ellen, loving daughter, sister, devoted wife, beloved mother, and lifelong teacher, passed away peacefully January 10 after a short illness at home with loving family members present. Mary Ellen was born September 14, 1920, and raised on the family farm along the Nooksack River in Ferndale, WA; the oldest daughter of Frank and Mary Evalyn Newell Peterson. She was Ferndale High valedictorian in 1938 and graduated with honors from UPS in 1942. Professionally, she taught English at Lake WA HS (1942-1955). The 1951 Lake WA HS annual was dedicated to her for outstanding teaching. While attending a basketball tournament she met her future husband, Charles Leonard Lentz. They were married 62 years and he preceded her in death in March 2011. Mary Ellen was always active in education focused service. She earned a PTA Golden Acorn award, ran Sunday school programs, tutored elementary and junior high students, served ten years on the Shoreline Public Library board, and led Camp Fire groups for her daughters. She later taught in the Shoreline School District and retired as a special ed. assistant at Shorewood HS in 1986. She enjoyed a lifetime of summers at the Birch Bay family cabin entertaining many with salmon barbeques, crab feasts, and homemade pies. She was a 60+ year unwavering Husky football fan/season ticket holder, attending games with her husband and children until age 89. She enjoyed learning, gardening, opera, ballet, poetry and Siamese cats. Her sharp mind and memory were with her until the end. Mary Ellen will be greatly missed by her children, Jim Lentz, Steve (Joanne) Lentz, Dr. Gretchen Lentz and Julie (Arthur) Jonson; and her grandchildren, Alex and Andrew Jonson, and Emma Lentz. She will also be missed by her sister, Nelda Sigurdson of Ferndale, and brother, Dr. Frank Peterson of Gig Harbor. Her Memorial Service will be held at 1 PM on January 28, 2011, at Haller Lake United Methodist Church (13055 1st Avenue Northeast Seattle, WA 98125). In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Shoreline Public Library or an educational charity of your choice. A used book drive will be done in her honor - contact the Jonsons.