Esther Sellers
Esther E. (Tuomi) Sellers passed from this world Sunday, August 11, 2019. Esther was born in Poulsbo, WA, August 31, 1929. The daughter of Finnish immigrants, she attended a one room school house and learned English from her older brother. On the family farm, they had an ideal childhood and grew much of their own food and raised chickens. Upon graduating high school, she attended college at Central Washington College of Education (Central Washington University) after a teacher suggested the career. She graduated in 1951 with a degree in elementary education.
She began teaching in Puyallup, WA and later moved to San Francisco for four years. Upon her return, she taught in the Northshore School District before settling into the Edmonds School District. In 1983, she retired after 30 1/2 years of teaching. Volunteering became her next vocation; in classrooms, Stevens Hospital, The Nordic Heritage Museum and on the Edmonds Memorial Cemetery Board. Through her Central friendships, she became involved with The Men and Women of the 50’s reunion committee and scholarship fund.
Her long retirement meant lots of time for travel and hobbies. She made four trips to Finland meeting numerous cousins. These trips included visits to Norway, Estonia and Leningrad. She mastered the Finnish language, taking adult classes at the Finnish Lutheran Church. Stateside trips with family and friends were also highlights, plus breakfast and lunches. Her love of reading keep her busy and connected, plus working in the yard and baking. She was blessed with good health and Finnish sisu; strength, perseverance and resilience. She remained interested in current events and connected to friends and family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Ronald W. Sellers; brother, Ernest Tuomi and sister-in-law, Shirley Tuomi. She is survived by her daughter, Lynn Sellers Kacatin, son-in-law, Emmanuel Kacatin and two grandchildren, as well as her sister and brother-in-law, Linda and Harold Thornton a niece and nephews.
At her request there will be no services. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Medic One Foundation, Meals On Wheels, or Evergreen Hospice.