Edith Marie Fleming, 84, died peacefully at home with loved ones at her side in Monroe, Wash. on March 11, 2011. Everyone enjoyed Edith’s sparkling blue eyes, witty sense of humor, dahlia bouquets, butter horn rolls, perfect chocolate chip cookies and welcoming hugs! How we will miss this sweet and spunky lady!

Edith was born in Arnegard, ND to Carl and Mary Cook Feiring. Edith attended Monroe Middle School, graduated from Grosse Pointe High School in Detroit, Mich. and completed Knapp Business School in Tacoma.

In 1946, Edith married Robert Dwyer of Snohomish. The young couple moved to Forest Grove, OR where Edith worked while Bob earned his O.D., Doctor of Optometry. Bob and Edith opened an optometry practice in Oroville, WA, where Edith served as Office Manager and Bookkeeper. They raised their two children, Lynn and Bob on Lake Osoyoos and enjoyed swimming, water skiing, ice skating and fishing. Wednesdays, Edith could be found at the Oroville Golf Club for Ladies Day. She served as Women’s President and won a Club Championship.

In l976, Edith moved to Tacoma, to work as an Optometric Assistant for Sound Health and later for Drs. Hanford, Wilson and Gustafson.

In l983, Edith married Del Fleming, a retired dairyman, of Monroe and they were happily wed for 23 years until Del’s death in 2006 at the age of 95. Edith loved gardening, supplying family and friends with fresh vegetables, dahlias and roses. Fall to spring, Edith and Del traveled around the U.S., settling at Lake Havasu Springs Resort, where they fished for striper bass and made many friends.

Edith was active at the East County Senior Center, played pinochle, cribbage and bridge with her “extended family.” She participated in the Monthly Breakfast Club, water aerobics at the YMCA, and loved reading books from the Sno-Isle Library. Edith was a talented seamstress. The recipients of her beautiful quilts appreciated the love that went into each fine stitch.

Edith’s son’s death in 1989 was devastating; yet, she found the courage to go on. As a 24-year lung cancer survivor, Edith made the most of every day. Edith’s faith in God was strengthened by participation at the Monroe United Methodist Church.

Edith proudly doted on her 11 great-grandchildren: Keegan Patterson, Abby Roberts, Parker Roberts, Peyton Roberts, Brady Roberts, Pierce Jackson, Soren Jackson, Owen Orvald, Boden Orvald, Kai Dwyer, Quinn Dwyer, and her 12 step great grandchildren: Connor, Tatum, Zoe, Lara, Christine, Mike, Danielle, Monica, Kurt, Corey, Ronnie, Samantha, including three sets of twins.

Edith is survived by daughter Lynn Dwyer, daughter-in-law Deann Dwyer, stepchildren Dennis (Kate) Fleming and Margaret (Larry) Nielsen. Grandchildren include: Julie (Tucker) Orvald, Kathlyn (Wade) Neal, Elizabeth (Larry) Jackson, Jami Dwyer (David Jordon), Christen (Jeremy) Roberts, Cara Dwyer and Melissa Dwyer. Step-grandchildren include: Terri (Harlow) Cody, Denise (Dave) Zander, Stacey Guy, Drs. Ann (Al) Creek, Ryan (Christine) Nielsen, Craig Nielsen, Rob (Amy) Fleming, Renee (Dave) Fernandez and many nieces and nephews.

Edith was preceded in death by husband(s) Rollin Delmar Fleming, Robert Dwyer Sr., son Robert Dwyer Jr., step-son Roland Fleming, step-grandsons Richard and Bill Fleming, step-granddaughter Jolene Desrosier, sisters Mathilda Richardson, Corma Latshaw, Evelyn Brown and brother Clarence Feiring.

Edith expressed her gratitude to the staff at Providence Hospital and Group Health Cooperative, of Everett.

A Memorial Service will be at 2:00 pm, Saturday, April 2nd at the Monroe United Methodist Church, 342 S. Lewis Street, with a reception following at the East County Senior Center, 276 Sky River St. in Monroe. A private burial will be held at the I.O.O.F. Cemetery for family.

The family suggests contributions in Edith’s memory may be made to the East County Senior Center in Monroe or the American Institute for Cancer Research, 1759 R St. NW, Washington, DC 20090.