Mary Elizabeth (Haugen) Huff

a lifelong resident of Bainbridge Island, passed away April 8th, 2007, Easter Sunday. Her family and her extended family from Bethany Lutheran Church supported Mary in her final journey. She was 84 years of age.Mary was raised near Pleasant Beach in the historic Haugen home on Oddfellows Road. The home is still standing today. Her maternal grandparents, Alexandra and John B. Eskolin, immigrants from Finland, built the home that was occupied by the family for three generations.As a child, Mary enjoyed swimming at Pleasant Beach, bicycle riding and her dog Laddie. She attended elementary school at the Pleasant Beach School (now Serenity House) in Lynwood Center and graduated from Bainbridge High School in 1940.Mary's lifelong goal was to become a nurse. She began attending Pacific Lutheran University but her studies were cut short she contracted polio and spent the next year recovering. She went back to school at Seattle University and Providence Hospital where she obtained her registered nurse credential. During WW11, Mary began preparing to be sent overseas to aid the troops when the war ended.Mary met her husband, Reese, a member of the U S Navy, when he was stationed at Fort Ward and was attending Bethany Lutheran Church. They married in 1946 and had just celebrated 51 years together when Reese passed away.When the girls were old enough, she began working part time. Mary worked at Lynnwood Sanitarium (now Serenity House), Stonehall (now Messenger House) and Harborview Medical Center. Mary's passion in life was nursing and she dedicated herself to helping others. Her dedication continued long after her career and retirement in 1988.Mary was a skilled at many things. The family home had a bounty of beautiful flowers including her favorite roses and tulips. She and Reese grew a huge vegetable garden every year and had several types of berries that she made into her famous pies. She could cook anything and especially liked to make Scandinavian meals and dessert. Mary loved to paint and draw and was skilled at Rosemalling (Norwegian painting).Mary was interested in her heritage and made a trip to Norway after she retired to visit the family of her father. She stayed in contact with relatives there until her death. Mary kept Scandinavian traditions at home, especially during the holidays.Mary was an active member of Bethany Lutheran Church her entire life. She enjoyed Ladies Club, FFF and the Quilting Groups. Additionally, she was active in the Sons of Norway and Eastern Star. Mary was dedicated to charity groups who helped the disadvantaged in this country and overseas.Two daughters survive her, Reesa Zuber (Steve) of Yakima and Mitzi Stern (David) of Bainbridge Island; three grandchildren, Andrew, Amanda and Rachel; sister Elsie Clotfelter of Poulsbo, a special sister-in-law, Heloise Huff of Galveston, Texas and numerous extended family members. Her husband, C. Reese Huff and her parents, Martha and Andrew Haugen, preceded her in death.The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at Harrison Hospital, her physician Dr. Donald Sharman, and his ARNP Peggy O'Berg. Additionally, the staff at both of the Island nursing homes whose caring hearts and hands helped her to live out her final days with dignity.A funeral is planned at Bethany Lutheran Church on Saturday, April 21st at 11 am (map). A reception will follow in the fellowship hall.In lieu of flowers the family ask donations be given to Bethany Lutheran Church, (7968 Finch Road NE, Bainbridge Island, 98110), Seattle University, School of Nursing Scholarship Fund (900 Broadway, Seattle, 98122 or a charity of your choice.Arrangements by Cook Family Funeral Home.