Edith Nancy Gilstrap, 73, was born on March 21, 1942 in Kalispell, Montana to Irene and Robert Turman. She was the oldest of what would ultimately be 9 total children. When Edie was young, her mom and dad divorced and she went to live with her mother for a short time. When she was around 6, Edie returned to Montana, where she stayed until completing some college at Rocky Mountain College. She passed away in the early morning hours of July 15, 2015 after a very brief battle with lung cancer.
Life took many different paths for Edie before she planted her feet in Sedro-Woolley, WA. There were times that she had to prove how tough she was and there was no doubting afterwards that when she set her mind to something, she succeeded at it. In 1991, with 3 children at home, while being a single mom, she started working at the Skagit County Housing Authority. In March of 2013 after 22 years of dedicated service, she retired and discovered the “joys” of retirement.
Edie was Mom to a few special people, but an innumerable amount of people considered her to be “mama-san”. She was important to many people but was always surprised at the number of well wishes that were sent her way, stating “I didn’t know that many people cared”. Edie loved life, her family, friends, and the Seattle Seahawks. She’ll be remembered for her positive attitude, her determination, and her ready smile. Mom was someone to look up to and could be counted on for excellent advice, always willing to forgive others’ mistakes and up to the very end was making sure there was as little work to be done by her loved ones after her passing as possible.
Mom was a genius in her own rite and could answer nearly any trivia question asked of her even in her last days. She loved playing games like Pictionary and Uno Attack with the extended family. But she hated swearing so it was to be expected that at some point in the game festivities someone would be getting her iron finger to the back of the head for slips of the tongue.
She will be missed by more than she’d have ever thought and her passing has” left a hole in this world” as her sister Chris has said.
Edie was preceded in death by her parent, Robert Turman (Gredel) and Irene Ostheller (Ralph); sister Virginia Hardinger; brother Mark Turman; son John Shafer, and Robert Gilstrap who always held a special place in her heart.
Edie is survived by her children: Katherine Anderson (Leonard) of Chadron Nebraska; Dan Shafer of Sedro-Woolley WA; Crystal Burn (Bryan) of Oak Harbor WA; and Andrew Gilstrap (Noemi) of Concrete WA; sisters, Christine Turman of Olympia, WA; Lisa McGuire of Sedro-Woolley WA; brothers, Rick Perry (Carol) of Sedro-Woolley WA, Dave Perry (Christine) of Sedro-Woolley WA, Joseph McGuire of Sedro-Woolley, and Dave Turman (Sheryle) of Kalispell MT; sister in law; Eileen Turman of Pullman WA; 11 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; 5 nephews and 5 nieces. She is also survived by friends that became family and her “adopted” children.
A special thank you from the family goes to mom’s neighbors who have been there to help out when needed, and helped make her last 4th of July an extra special one.
At mom’s request, there will be no services. If you would like to donate in her honor please think about Peace Health United General North Puget Cancer Center or Hospice Northwest.
My sister was a wonderful woman. I didn’t spend as much time during her last days as I should have but enjoyed the ones I did. Family was always very important to her. I will miss you and going out to dinner on Saturdays.
I wish I could have spent a bit more time in this world with aunt Eddie. All my memories are pleasant ones, and I’m blessed to have known you the time we had. Best wishes and thoughts to all her friends and family.
So sorry to hear about your mom I enjoyed seeing her aound and always waved when she came in white van you kid’s take care of each other, I will miss seeing her your neighbors Sharon and John
Edie, you left us too soon. I am so glad little David got to meet you at an age where he can remember your unending love. Thank you for the wonderful memories that I have the pleasure of passing down to David. You will always hold a special place in my heart.
I wish i could call you. I wish i could hug you. I loved you to the moon and back and now i miss you even further.
She was way more than an aunt to me. I loved Edie greatly and am at a loss without her.
Edie will be missed by all who knew her. what I will always remember about my (always) sister in law is that funny smile when you said something stupid. Edie never made you fell dumb but that look you knew. I am glad I got to know her and she will be missed. my love goes out to the children left behind, I love them and hope they draw close to each other as they grieve the loss of their mother. my beliefs are that my brother and his beloved Edie are now together. crystal, Andrew im only a phone call away love Aunt Julie
Edie will forever hold a special place in our hearts – we are so thankful for the time we have been able to spend with her and make lasting memories. It still amazes us, after all these years, that she has been so astonished about how she has changed the lives of others, but that just speaks to her humble and good natured heart. We know her love and laughter will continue to live on for many generations to come and will always have an enduring and positive impact on her family, adopted family, and friends. We are keeping you all near and dear to our hearts – we love you.
We loved her. We will miss her. We are so honored to help give her a great last 4th.
I am so sorry to hear about your mom’s passing. Every time I saw her at Freddy’s we would chat and block the aisles.. We would play catch up on all of you and what was new in our lives. Edie was truly a remarkable woman who made your day with her smile. Prayers, hugs and love to all.
Love
Debbie