Alma Mae Felder

Alma Mae Felder (née Conner), born July 13, 1926, in Calusa, California, passed away peacefully on February 23, 2025, in Seattle, Washington, at the age of 98. Her long and remarkable life was rooted in family.

Alma's early years were shaped by the hardships of the Great Depression. In search of better opportunities, her family moved from California to Seattle during that era. They settled in the South Lake Union area, where Alma began building a life that would remain centered in Seattle for nearly a century.

She began high school at Broadway High School in the fall of 1941, just before the United States entered World War II. Alma graduated as the war came to a close, stepping into adulthood during a time of great change and hope.

After high school, Alma worked at a drug store on Eastlake Avenue where she dipped ice cream and made milkshakes behind the soda fountain. It was there that she met John G. Felder-Johnny-on the day he returned from military service. Their meeting sparked a lifelong love story. Alma often joked that she was a "Soda Jerk" and Johnny was her "Drugstore Cowboy". They married soon after and eventually purchased their forever home in Seattle's Seward Park neighborhood in the 1950s. Alma lived in that home for 72 years until her passing.

Alma was a devoted wife to Johnny until his passing in 1991 and a loving mother to four daughters. She is survived by three of them: Susi Frost, Connie Brouner and Nancy Horner (Ed). She also leaves behind six adult grandchildren, Brian Brouner (Nhu), Amy Dreyer (Tim), Krissy Brouner Mbwambo (Henry), Jonathan Horner (Tori), Weston Horner (Cecily), Aaron Horner, and nine great-grandchildren. Her sister Marie Sillence also survives her.

She was preceded in death by her beloved daughter Darlene Mae Felder; her husband John G. Felder; her mother Minnie May Conner; Father Clinton Conner; brother Howard Conner; and sisters Wilma Conner and Hazel Cantrell.

Alma met her life-long best friend Delores 'Dorie' Todd when she was twelve. They raised their families together and remained close until Dorie's passing in 2022. Alma also formed lasting friendships through her involvement with neighborhood churches including Lakewood Community Church and Hillman Covenant Church.

Even at Ninety-Eight her mind remained sharp, she always had a To-Do list on the counter. She rose early and read the entire Seattle Times every day. She was better at Wheel of Fortune than anyone else in the family.

Alma will be remembered as a caring daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Her home was always open to loved ones near and far-though most never had to travel far. The closeness of her family is reflected in the fact that all still reside within the Greater Seattle Area.

Her memory lives on not only through those who knew her but also through stories shared over milkshakes made "the real way," laughter echoing from family gatherings. Holidays, family celebrations and always a crowd for the annual Seafair Sunday hydroplane races.

May Alma Mae Felder's memory bring comfort to all who knew and loved her. A Celebration of Life will be held on July 13, 2025, at 12:00 PM at Home of Susi Frost 17742 Talbot Road. Celebration of life will be on her 99th birthday. Lunch will be served followed by sharing and singing