D. EILEEN FASSO

1928 - 2011

D. Eileen Fasso, of Burlington, WA, and a resident of rural Pearce-Sunsites, AZ, was united in heaven with her son Daniel after passing peacefully at age 82, March 12, 2011 in Tucson, AZ.

She was born in Seattle, WA on October 17, 1928 to Harry B. and Florence M. (Jackson) Cunningham.

Eileen spent her childhood living in the Normandy Park suburb of Seattle and following her graduation from Highline High School in Burien, WA, she was proud to serve her country in the US Navy during WWII.

Returning to Seattle following her military service, Eileen married and started her family with the birth of Daniel, followed by her daughter Dominie, son Michael, son John, and daughter Maudie. She moved her family to rural Burlington in 1966 and was pleased to have all of her children educated in the Burlington-Edison School District. She remained an avid B-EHS Tigers' fan throughout her life.

Along with her extraordinary intellect and quick wit, she was an excellent cook and a talented seamstress. She loved arts and crafts and would spend weeks creating original decorations for holidays, with Christmas being her favorite. Her exquisite home-made pastries and pies were enjoyed by her family and anyone lucky enough to be an acquaintance, friend or neighbor.

She was involved in everything affecting her children, including Bluebird and Campfire girls' leader, den mother in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, PTA member, and she attended every function, play, and sports event her children participated in.

Her daughters fondly remembered her making all of their clothes until high school (she knew it wasn't "cool" after that) and creating matching outfits for their stuffed animals!

Her son Michael appreciates her encouragement and support of his artistic talent as a youth, at which time he was enrolled in an exclusive children's art school. He includes their four-week trip to Europe in 1997 as one of the highlights of his life.

Her son John is grateful for her insistence upon using proper manners, support of his athletics, broadcasting and writing careers, her love of pets, and for the sharing of the same political beliefs as "Kennedy Democrats".

In addition to the challenges and rewards of raising five children, Eileen dedicated many years as a Social Worker for the States of Alaska and Washington, where she worked with displaced homemakers and domestic violence victims. She was a certified E.M.T. and first responder to many accidents and fires as a member of the Alger Volunteer Fire Department. Respected and well liked by her peers, Eileen was a tireless champion of causes dedicated to help others in need of emotional or financial support.

She was accepted and equally comfortable in the presence of public officials, business and community leaders, as she was attending bonfires in the woods north of Burlington to ensure that everyone made it home safely from the "keggers".

Eileen was a talented editor and writer who loved camping, fishing and hunting. A testament to her spirit and toughness is her unprecedented solo hike across the North Cascades from Marblemount to Stehekin at age 52.

Eileen moved from Burlington, WA to Pearce-Sunsites, AZ in 1997. She was well known in the area for her baking, crafts, and quilting, with a large local support group of many friends and neighbors. Eileen was a member of the Grand Auxiliary of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, and the Amerind Foundation in Dragoon, AZ.

Survivors include her daughters, Dominie A. Fasso of Everett, WA and Maudie E. (Eddy) McGlothlin of Columbia Falls, MT, her sons Michael L. Deeb of Bellingham, WA and John G. (Audrey) Fasso of Burlington, WA, along with 7 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, and her daughter-in-law Darla (Jim) Schmidt of Usk, WA. She is also survived by her dear friends Anne Downey and Ruth Morrison of Burlington, WA and Pat Hill of Cochise County, AZ.

Preceding her in death were her son Daniel A. Wilson and her dear friend Ronella (Bud) Squires, of Burlington, WA.

Eileen believed that people and their happiness are defined by how much they love and are loved by their family and friends instead of by their economic status or profession.

A celebration of her life and remembrance will be Saturday, March 26, 2011 beginning at 3 p.m. at the Common Grounds Coffee House, 351 Pease Rd., Burlington, WA 98233.

Eileen would be honored by your contribution or volunteer work in her name for Saving Pets One at a Time (S.P.O.T.) which can be done through their website: http://savingpets oneatatime.org, by email: spot@savingpetsoneatatime.org, or at: S.P.O.T., P.O. Box 211, Burlington, WA

D. Eileen Fasso - "She traveled each and every highway".

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