Audrene Sherwood

Audrene Sherwood, age 98, peacefully passed away at 11:00 AM on Thursday, November 9, 2018, with her nephew and favorite pets at her bedside. She was born July 4, 1920 in Seattle to Joseph and Hannah Feldt. As a child her family moved back to Sweden due to the poor economy in the USA, but soon moved back in 1926, so her records show the confusing notation of being born in Seattle in 1920 as well as emigrating through Ellis Island in 1926. Audrene was then raised in the Bellingham area, graduating from Western Washington University and then teaching school for many years. She spent many years in Alaska with her first husband John Lind, who she married in 1942. While in Alaska they lived in many different locations for John's radio operator assignments, from Anchorage, to Nome, to being the sole inhabitants on one of the Aleutian Islands, which had a house that was 250 stair steps up from the supply dock (she often reminded us all of that fact). Audrene was active in the local art community both here in the Northwest, and in Alaska with the local Inuits, working directly with the children as well as conducting seminars for other teachers in the area. Due to John's poor health they returned to a small farm near Mount Vernon. After John's passing in 1969, she built a beautiful home on Camano Island, with an unobstructed view of Whidbey Island. She married Bob Sherwood, a local attorney, in 1972 and soon moved from his home in Edgemoor to their beloved home of 40 years, on State Street, overlooking Bellingham Bay and Lummi Island, with it's incredible sunsets and views of the fireworks displays that are held annually to celebrate her birthday. She and Bob were longtime members of the Bellingham Golf & Country Club and enjoyed golf courses throughout the world, often traveling with Bob's World War II, CNAC veteran pilot friends. Audrene always enjoyed seafood wherever she went on her travels, but her first question was "is it fresh?" and never had a problem letting the server know when she thought it wasn't. She was preceded in death by Bob Sherwood, sister Laurie Elms, and stepson Steve Sherwood. Audrene is survived by stepchildren Marilyn and Craig Sherwood, her nephews Ted, Marty and Phil Elms, and many loving relatives and friends. The family would like to thank all of her supportive caregivers who helped Audrene to stay at home for so many years. A memorial service will be held at her longtime State Street home in Bellingham on the next anniversary of her birth, July 4, 2019...there will be an exclusive fireworks show. You may share memories at www.westfordfuneralhome.com.