MARTHA LUNDQUIST

Born February 12, 1917 in Vitasaari Finland. Longtime Skagit Valley Resident, Martha Lundquist, passed away March 22, 2014.

Martha was a 60 year member of the Masonic Lodge Eastern Star. She was also very active in the Daughters of the Nile, American Legion, and Vasa Lodge for over 50 years. Martha also volunteered at The Burlington Senior Center until age 90, helping with the kitchen and any function where help was needed. Martha also spearheaded many charitable campaigns.

Martha was very proud of her heritage and her two brothers who were highly decorated Finnish soldiers that valiantly gave their lives fighting for independence in Finland's Winter War against Russia.

Martha leaves behind many friends both young and old. In her younger years, Martha had many adventures in life. While working at the Swedish Embassy in London, England, she received credentials to work for the Hilton family in Toronto. Several years later, after a visit to Finland, Martha met her husband Ralph on the boat trip back. Martha remained married until her husband's death in 1993.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Lundquist, her daughter, Ritva Norrman, her step-son, Arthur Lindquist and brothers, Kaino and Matte.

She is survived by son Eric Lundquist and his wife Kimmarie of Sedro-Woolley, son, George Lundquist and his wife Carol of Kenai, Alaska, granddaughter, Charlotte Norrman of Stockholm Sweden, and great-grandson, Elvis Jonsson of Stockholm Sweden. She is also survived by sisters, Lisa and Kaisa along with many family members in Finland.

Graveside services will be held April 17, 2014 at 1 PM at Hawthorne Cemetery.