Another Skagit native has passed from this valley. Florence was the first born of Edd & Lillian Clair in Mount Vernon, WA followed by sibling Doris, Howard and Mildred.
She attended various local schools, graduating from Mt. Vernon High. She married Sven R Newman in 1932 in Mt Vernon. Beverly and Carl were born and the family followed the jobs to various locations. In 1943 Sven hired on with Civil Service in Oak Harbor, WA on Whidbey Island after which Nancy was born.
Florence was widely known for her loom woven rugs and prolific handiwork which earned her sweepstake honors at fairs and served as barter with door to door salesmen and even the local dentist. She was active in the Whidbey Homemakers, Organ and Rock clubs.
Florence and Sven retired to west Burlington in the early 70s. Sven passed away in 1975, her parents both in 1977. Not one to be idle, Florence became a regular on the banks of the Skagit at the Spud House snagging Steel-head. She was ative int he Mt Vernon and Burlington Senior Centers and was once selected the RSVP Volunteer of the Year.
Surviving her are daughters Beverly Chapman, Mt Vernon; Nancy Joy and husband, Bill of Birdsview; daughter in law, Louise Newman, Mt Vernon and si in law, Lily Glassmeyer, Mt Vernon plus 5 generations of descendants in addition to numerous nieces and nephews. Private interment will be at a later date at Burlington Cemetery. Donations to the Meals on Wheels program through the Burlington Senior Center would be most appreciated.
So sorry to hear of your loss – I remember your Mom from when I was a little, little girl, growing up on Whidbey Island. I do not remember how Florence and my mother Amy Leitch became friends, but I remember my mom tearing blankets, chenille spreads etc., rolling them into balls so that Florence could weave them into rugs! I remember Florence getting my mom into refunding! I remember going to her house on Pulver road in Burlington and I remember seeing her each week at the Burlington Senior Center when taking my girls to their Girl Scout meeting. Florence was truly a special, talented lady and will be truly missed.