Veda M. Gavin

Veda Mary Hutchings Gavin passed away on Thursday, February 5, 2015 at the age of 99. She died peacefully surrounded by her loving children and family. Veda was the daughter of Edith Moore Hutchings and Earl C. Hutchings, Yakima pioneers. She and her twin sister Vera were born at home on January 27, 1916 in Yakima and joined their older sister Velma. Veda attended Yakima schools and graduated from Yakima High School in 1934. She and her sisters were young musicians and played with the Yakima Symphony. Veda attended Washington State College and was a personal reader for the president of Wsc. Veda returned to Yakima and was a secretary for Hargreaves Insurance.

In 1938 she met Louis John Gavin, a new young attorney in Yakima. They fell in love and married on January 14, 1940 at St. Michael's Episcopal Church. For their honeymoon they took a driving trip to Mexico for two weeks. Veda and John were married for 60 years and their love and devotion was evident to all who knew them.

In 1940 their first child was born, Louis John Gavin III. Francis James Gavin was born in 1942; Sally Edith Gavin was born in 1945; and Patrick Joseph Gavin was born in 1947. Veda was a devoted mother who was totally dedicated to her children and family.

Veda and her family lived in a large house at West Lincoln and 56th Avenue where she was a friend to the entire neighborhood. Her house was open to all, and there were many coffee klatches by the fireplace in her large warm kitchen. She led an active social life including several bridge clubs, Reading Club, and Ceramic Group. She was a Cub Scout Den mother, Blue Bird Leader, youth baseball team statistician, and an always present supportive mother at all her children's activities including sports, dance, theater, and much more. In 1962 Veda and her family moved to a beautiful home atop Naches Grade

with a spectacular sweeping view. She became a member of St. Peter's Parish and Seminary. She and John often included seminarians and priests in family gatherings and outdoor activities at their home. She continued as a bridge player, walker, and devoted mother. She was an active and loving "Grandmother Extraordinaire" and Nana to many. She and John had a swimming pool where all the grandchildren learned to swim under their watchful eye. During this time she also worked as a volunteer secretary at Marquette and Carroll High Schools where she was a great help to the students, teachers, and priests. She founded and directed the first Marquette Follies. She continued to support and work with the Follies for many years.

Veda and John owned a vacation home in Seaview, Washington: The Beach House. She loved her time there with the family. She walked long distances along the water's edge. She spent hours on the beach in Beach Shelters which were distinctively created by the Gavin family. She was an excellent salmon fisher and clam digger.

At the age of 90 Veda decided to give up driving and move to town. She took up residency at Living Care in Yakima. Her home was a lovely view apartment for 9 years. Veda continued to play high level bridge several times a week and participated in Exercise Class on a regular basis. She devoted her time and energy to helping others within her community. She made many friends there and earned the respect of friends and neighbors.

Veda lived her entire long life in Yakima. She also saw the world. Her favorite trip was the family vacation across the continent to New York and Washington DC in the family station wagon with all 6 family members. She loved to reminisce about her trip to Japan as well. She loved visiting American cities especially Seattle, San Francisco, San Diego, New York, and Washington DC.

Veda was a member of many groups throughout her life. These include various bridge clubs, reading clubs, Yakima Country Club, Women's Century Club, YWCA, Washington Athletic Club, Leslie Loudan Guild, St. Michael's Episcopal Church, St. Paul's Parish, and St. Peter's Parish. She found particular joy in being a member and participant in Holy Family Parish her last 9 years.

Veda was preceded in death by her mother, Edith Moore Hutchings; father, Earl C. Hutchings; sister, Velma Hutchings Jacklin; sister, Vera Hutchings Green; husband, Louis John Gavin; and son, Louis John Gavin III. Veda is survived by her children Francis James Gavin (Eileen), Sally Edith Gavin Nash (Ted), and Patrick Joseph Gavin (Sandy) and 12 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, and 6 great great grandchildren.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, February 12, at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Family Parish, 5315 Tieton Drive.

To share a memory of Veda, visit www.keithandkeith.com.

Veda's family extends a special thank you to staff at the Yakima Regional Medical and Cardiac Center Emergency Room and Acute Care, and to the staff at Memorial Home Health and Hospice (Cottage in the Meadow). Donations may be made in the name of Veda Hutchings Gavin to Memorial Home Health and Hospice (Cottage in the Meadow) or to the charity of your choice.