Edith Abicht

1931 - 2025

Edith was born in Queens, New York to Edward and Mabel Ranft. After graduating from John Adams High School, she attended the School of Nursing at Saint Luke's Hospital in New York City– Class of 1952. After graduation she joined the Air Force and met Lieutenant Wolfram Abicht at the Officers' Club in Montgomery Alabama. Edith called Wolfram "Red". They began a life together as husband and wife on July 11, 1953. The Air Force transferred Wolfram to Sculthathorpe AFB, England, Edith was honorably discharged from the Air Force so she could accompany him. They traveled throughout the UK and Europe together as young newlyweds during their years in England. Edith was pregnant with her firstborn Alan when they traveled back across the Atlantic and relocated to McChord Airforce base near Tacoma. Daughter Linda and youngest son David joined Alan as members of the family while they were stationed at McChord. Edith returned to nursing once her youngest David started elementary school, first at Madigan and then Tacoma General Hospital. As a nurse, she committed herself to a vocation of caring for others. She served on the transport team within the neonatal unit at Tacoma General Hospital transporting and caring for vulnerable newborns with the presence that she was doing God's work. As a cradle Episcopalian, she gifted her family with a foundation of faith and beauty at Christ Episcopal Church in Tacoma. She served in many church ministries throughout the years focused on justice for all of God's creation.

Edith loved to travel and embraced all things outdoors: hiking in the Cascade mountains and trails, scaling Mt. Tahoma (Rainier) when she was 50, snow skiing, running local races like the Sound to Narrows, marathons including in Hawaii, and bicycling in Europe. Our friends describe her as a force of nature, inspirational. She was devoted to her family, always ready to share time together as part of the rhythm of daily life or a grand adventure. Edith gave graciously of all her resources with friends, family, church, non-profits, and the arts.

Edith is survived by her daughter Linda (Len) Johnson, and son David (Kim) Abicht; her grandchildren Nick Abicht, Bryan Abicht, Carrina Epp, and CJ Johnson; her great grandchildren Lily Goossens, Carly Epp, Breanna Epp, Alicia Epp, and Ireland Markus; her great-great granddaughter Eden, extended family and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Christ Episcopal Church, 310 North K Street, Tacoma, WA on Wednesday October 22nd at 11 a.m. Please join us for the reception following in Wells Hall. Please honor her memory by taking a hike, sharing time in the beauty of the great outdoors with your loved ones.