Mary Elizabeth Stithem, 97, passed away on April 6, 2013, in Edmonds, WA. She was born on December 4, 1915 in Elrama, PA. She was the eldest of 6 children. Mary graduated from Clairton High School in Clairton, PA. Finishing high school she went to Washington DC and began her long career as a federal employee. Her brothers gave her the nickname of "Santa" because she would return home with many gifts for her younger brothers, whom she loved very much.
After working 23 years for the FAA in Anchorage, Alaska, she retired and moved to the Lynnwood, WA area where she lived for over 30 years. She belonged to the Masonic organization Amaranth and Eastern Star. For 18 years she volunteered at the Edmonds Senior Center in several capacities. She did her own income tax returns until she was 89 and also assisted her friends in tax needs, even questioning the IRS when they notified her she had made a mistake and was owed a refund!
Her greatest love was her four grandchildren. Mary was an advocate supporting them in furthering their education. She rejoiced in all of their accomplishments and always showed unconditional love and support for all of their endeavors.
Mary was a worldwide traveler and was always willing to pack a bag and visit someplace new. She also enjoyed gardening, spending an afternoon at a casino, sewing and making doll clothes for her granddaughters.
She is preceded in death by her brothers, John W. Polick and George J. Polick.
She is survived by her daughters Mary Dee (Kurt) McCann; Alice (John) Hofto; brothers William Polick, Ed Polick and Ray Polick; grandchildren Michael McCann, Stephanie McCann, Alex Hofto, Celeste Hofto and great grandson Brandon McCann.
The family would like to give special thanks to Gold Autumn, AFH, Dorinna Iacoban, Naudia Clayton and Jose Mari Okoi for the loving, compassionate care of Mary during the last months of her life.
In lieu of flowers, donations are being accepted in Mary's honor, at Gold Autumn Adult Family Home, 8327 186th St. SW, Edmonds, WA 98026. (206) 407-5399. www.goldautumnafh.com
Her family will miss her dearly but feel blessed to have had her in their lives for so many wonderful years.
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