Elizabeth Ann Hustad was born to Peter and Mary Jepsen in Denison, IA on October 3, 1934, losing her mom five years later due to illness, and several years after that gaining a much-loved stepmom, Pearl. At the age of 79, on November 22, 2013, Elizabeth passed away peacefully in her Kirkland, WA home.
Throughout her life Liz lived with a deep faith in God, and an unshakable confidence that things will work out, the answer will be there, and a door will always open when needed. Indeed, the door to her heart was always open and many times her family was expanded by one or two more, whether it was an animal needing a home, a colleague needing a friend, or a young person needing somewhere safe for a new beginning. What made this consistent welcome even more remarkable was that she never hesitated even when her own resources were challenged. It was the right thing and there would be enough.
This generosity of spirit also came through in her choice of career. After graduating from high school, Elizabeth pursued a nursing degree in Minneapolis, MN, which gave her an avenue for her nurturing nature and keen intelligence, and also resulted in the lifelong connection with her dear friend, Katherine.
Liz married and raised her family first in Fergus Falls, MN and then Battle Lake, MN. She eventually moved with her children to the Pacific Northwest, arriving first in the Portland, OR area and ultimately settling in Kirkland, WA. Wherever she went, she found great enjoyment in books, music, gardening, and art. She continued to work as an RN until her retirement in 1997, when Liz transitioned full-time into her role as Grandma, Gma, and
Gramarama, teaching yet another generation what it means to laugh often, love richly, look for beauty and joy in every moment, and move confidently forward in the knowledge that life is full of grace and miracles.
Elizabeth is survived by her five children – Mary Preisinger of Kirkland, WA, Greg Hustad of Kirkland, WA, Brian Hustad and his wife Beth of Woodinville, WA, Jean King of Portland, OR, and Jacqueline Hustad of Kirkland, WA; her four grandchildren – Hannah, Ellie, Alexia, and Bradley; her niece Kari Carr of Fergus Falls, MN, nephew Matthew Hustad of Dayton, MN, and other extended family; and her cherished friends, Katherine Harms of Battle Lake, MN and Anne Hess of Virginia Beach, VA.
Elizabeth was preceded in heaven by her mother Mary, dad Peter, stepmom Pearl, older sister Marilyn, older brother Pete, sister-in-law Doris Hustad, and nephew and godson Mark Hustad.
On behalf of all who have loved Elizabeth along the way, and all who gained warmth and hope from her nearness and caring, memorials can be made in her honor to MEOW Cat Rescue in Kirkland, WA, or to any youth/women’s shelter or animal shelter of your choice. Thank you for continuing the work of her heart.
Angels are everywhere, Mom/Grandma/Auntie/Liz, and your light shines ever brighter.
We love you…
Us