Edna “Eddie” Lingbloom died Sept. 24, 2007, at Whidbey General Hospital after a courageous three-year battle with multiple myeloma. She was born May 1, 1916, in Bellingham, one of 10 children to John and Mary Call. Raised and schooled in Bellingham, Eddie married her high school sweetheart, Lawrence Lingbloom, on Jan. 9, 1933.

Eddie dedicated herself to being a homemaker and raising their two children. In later years, she worked with Lawrence in his residential contracting business and found time to help others through volunteer work at St. Joseph’s Hospital.

Friends who grew up on Whidbey introduced the couple to the island. Enamored with the beauty and solitude of Whidbey, they purchased land for a family cabin on Race Lagoon in 1951. Later, they built a retirement home and became permanent residents of the island in 1977.

Eddie was an avid gardener. She and Lawrence hunted and fished together and pulled their trailer south seeking sunshine during winter months. Her quick wit and sense of humor delighted family and friends and saw her through many of life’s rough spots.

Preceded in death by nine siblings, Eddie is survived by Lawrence, her husband of 74 years; a daughter, Shirley Ashenbrenner; and son, Larry Lingbloom, both of Coupeville; six grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Eddie’s family thanks the many friends who supported her during her illness and the dedicated, sensitive caregivers from Home Health Care & Hospice. Memorial gifts may be made in Eddie’s name to Friends of Home Health & Hospice, Whidbey General Hospital, 101 N. Main St., Coupeville, WA 98239.

An open house celebration of Eddie’s life will be held at the family home, 441 Race Road Sunday, Sept. 30, from 1 to 5 p.m.