MARGARET ELIZABETH SOMA

Margaret Elizabeth Thein Soma, 97 of Mount Vernon passed away Friday, July 19, 2013. She was born March 27, 1916 to Mary and Francis X. Thein of La Conner. Both parents had roots in Luxembourg. Francis settled in the area in 1889 just before Washington became a state, first farming land on Fir Island and later in Dodge Valley. Mary came to La Conner in 1911 from Wahlhausen, Luxembourg.

Margaret was the third of seven children and the eldest girl in the family. She attended school in La Conner and Mount Vernon. She was a capable student. She skipped third grade and was a member of the Torch Society in high school.

She later took courses at a business school and became a skilled stenographer. She worked for the Federal Works Agency on the Alaskan Highway project as well as the Unites States War Department.

She took accounting courses and became a full charge bookkeeper in the late 1960's. She worked for the Mount Vernon Meat Company for many years.

In 1938 she married Merion Soma. Margaret's first priority was her family. She helped raise her younger siblings and was later dedicated to her own children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was a devoted Catholic and used her religion carefully to shape her life. Margaret sent her children to Immaculate Conception School. She served on the Altar Society and was an active member of the Prayer Group. She transported others to church services for years.

Margaret was an excellent seamstress and her embroidery and crochet work were beautiful. She enjoyed playing cards and chess. Later in life she became a competent Bridge player. Her skill with crossword puzzles was remarkable, she had a way with growing things and produced wonderful flower and vegetable gardens until she was over 90 years old. She was well known in her neighborhood for keeping her grass groomed perfectly with her push mower. She took oil painting classes in the 1980's and produced many canvasses. Margaret also volunteered for the Job Corps teaching literacy skills.

Margaret was preceded in death by all of her siblings.

She is survived by her two daughters, Lynn Ann Bouker of Bellingham, Washington and Janis Soma of Needham, Massachusetts. Grandchildren include Elicia Fowler of Bellingham, Washington, Anthony Bouker of Maple Valley, Washington and Nina Verret of Bellingham, Washington. Her seven great-grandchildren include James Gwerder, Nolan, Max and Addison Verret, Kassidy Fowler and Ella and Cy Bouker.

A vigil service will be held on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at 7:00 pm at Kern Funeral Home. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, July 25, 2013 at 12:15 pm at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Mount Vernon. Pleasant Ridge Cemetery will be the final resting place.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be sent to Catholic Relief Services, P.O. Box 17090, Baltimore, Maryland 21203-7090.

Arrangements are under the care of Kern Funeral Home.