Catherine “Ghundi” Tardiff, 86, of Oak Harbor, died Oct. 2, 2009. Ghundi was born on June 16, 1923 in Porland, Ore. She met and married her husband William Phillip Chamberlin in Tacoma, in 1943.

During World War II, while her husband was serving in the war, Ghundi worked at Fort Lewis as an Aircraft Electrical Crew Chief Inspector. When the men came home from the war, she was laid off to provide jobs for our returning service men. She then went to work at a shipyard as a mail clerk delivering mail by motorcycle. She later became a truck driver, driving 18-wheelers delivering cargo throughout the Portland area. Yes, our Ghundi! Life was about to change for her as she and her husband decided it was time to settle down and start their family. They went on to have four children: Gary, Donna, Judy and David, all of whom are currently residing in Washington. Ghundi continued to work various jobs while raising her children. She drove a school bus and then worked as a glass inspector for Boeing. In 1958, her beloved husband of 15 years passed away.

However, in 1967, Ghundi would find loved again! She met and married her second husband Charles “Charlie” Tardiff. They moved to Whidbey Island, living in Clinton from 1968 to 1982. Ghundi again worked at various jobs while her children were growing up. In August of 1984, her husband Charlie passed away. As we read this story about someone we all know and love, we see a special love, and yet the story is still touched by sadness. However, Ghundi was blessed in so many ways. Few people get to experience love even once in their lives the way Ghundi has and yet she was blessed a second time. Ghundi is a very proud grandmother of her 12 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. She had lived at Summer Hill since September of 2002. She was an inspiration to all of us when we saw her beautiful smile. She will be in our hearts forever. Thanks for sharing your story with us Ghundi!

Condolences may be left for the family at www.burleyfuneralchapel.com.