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Edith S. Middleton, age 84, passed away in her Seattle home on January 21st, 2017. In the end, she was surrounded by her family and by her beloved dog all of whom will miss her greatly.
She was a passionate advocate for improving educational and recreational opportunities for young people. From acting as President of the Aberdeen YMCA Swim Team to founding the Grays Harbor Women's Tennis Club, part of which became the girl's high school tennis team, she gave enthusiastically to her children's activities and to her community.
Edie was an avid believer in the benefits of summer camps. Her long-term relationship with Waukeela Camp for Girls in Eaton Center, New Hampshire began as a young camper where she made life long friends and developed her love of hiking, canoeing and tennis. She continued as a counselor and boating instructor and eventually became the Owner and Director. She felt that the opportunity to mentor young women was the greatest benefit of her association with Waukeela. Edie was also involved with the Aberdeen YMCA Camp Bishop Board of Directors and a variety of regional and national positions with the American Camping Association. In her seventies, she once again became a counselor at Camp Siznani in South Africa, which gives girls from South Africa's townships who are affected by, or at risk of AIDS, an opportunity to enjoy an American style camping experience and to partake in health and wellness education.
Edie was born in Providence, Rhode Island, the daughter of George Frederick Swanson and Beulah Hassam Swanson. She was predeceased by her parents and by her brother Andrew P. Swanson. Edie attended the Mary C. Wheeler School for Girls, which in 2000 awarded her their Founders Day Award for service to the School. In 1954 she graduated from Mount Holyoke College for Women with a Bachelor of Arts in Zoology. She was a member of her Class and College Choirs and was President of the Outing Club. As an alumna, she volunteered as an admissions interviewer and served on a variety of committees for her Class Reunions and Capital Campaign Steering Committees. In 2009 Edie was awarded the Medal of Honor for her outstanding alumna service. She also received a Masters in Teaching in 1959 from Brown University. After College she worked in Massachusetts as a teacher at Concord Academy and then as a Lab Technician at Harvard Medical School. In 1959 she moved to Seattle and began work as a Lab Technician at Virginia Mason Hospital.
At a Junior Club party in Seattle, Edie met Richard W. Middleton from Aberdeen, Washington. After a whirlwind courtship, they were married in 1960. She moved then to Aberdeen, where she and Rick raised their children - Jennifer Lee Middleton, Kristin Marie Middleton and Richard Westbrook Middleton Jr., to whom they passed on their shared love of skiing, tennis and travel. She also leaves her son-in-law Tony Lupino, daughter-in-law Ellen Middleton and her beloved grandchildren, Richard Westbrook Middleton, III and Alexandra Weyerhaeuser Middleton. Edie was a devoted mother and grandmother who delighted in attending her family's performances and competitions.
In the 1990's she and Rick moved to Seattle and also spent part of the year at their home in Sun Valley, Idaho. After a marriage of over 42 years, Rick passed away in 2002. Both in Aberdeen and Seattle, Edie worked as a Realtor for over 40 years. After her move to Seattle, she became a Board Member of The Seattle Girl's School. Her involvement with the school was a great source of pride and enjoyment. As well as her involvement in many local organizations, Edie was an active church volunteer and choir member in all the communities in which she resided. She was also a member of the Women's University Club, Seattle Tennis Club and the Ancient Skiers Club.
In Lieu of Flowers, donations can be made to Edie's Favorite Charities
YMCA of Gray's Harbor
Camp Bishop Fund
2500 Simpson Avenue, Hoquiam, WA 98550
360-537-9622
www.ghymca.net
Seattle Girl's School
2706 S Jackson Street, Seattle, WA 98144
206-709-2228
www.seattlegirlsschool.org
Camp Rainbow Gold
216 West Jefferson, Boise, ID 83702
208-928-7802
www.camprainbowgold.org
Arrangements entrusted to Bleitz Funeral Home of Seattle, Washington.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Bleitz Funeral Home.
August 2, 2017
Jane Belling
Jenny, Chrissie and Rick,
I met your Mom when I started at Wheeler, in the 7th grade. I have many fun memories of our time together at Wheeler. We remained friends for many years. Your Mom and Dad spent time with my husband and me in Westport, Ma. My husband also went to Culver. Your Mom was a very special lady. She always spoke warmly and proudly of her children and grandchildren. She was a dear "old" friend and was a bridesmaid in my first wedding. I will miss knowing that she isn't just a phone call away. She was a wonderful role model, in every way, for all of you. I hope you find peace, inspiration, and happy memories of her.
(You may remember her mentioning the Haley twins; I am one of the twins).
February 16, 2017
Friend
Charles Heskett
Chrissie, Jenny and Rick-I was so saddened to hear about the passing on a truly special human being. As you know, I first met your mom at her camp in New Hampshire and a friendship with Chrissie started so many years ago. The way your entire family welcomed me upon my arrival to your city of Seattle in 1993 I will never forget. She was a strong women. A passionate person for achievement and character. She will be missed and I'm pleased I got to see her one last time at the "Club" with Rick last summer. Best to all of you-Chazzy
February 15, 2017
Michele Sczerbinski Diaz
Edie was a remarkable woman who truly exemplified the Wheeler School motto, "the spirit giveth life."
She will forever be an inspiration to me on how to live your best life and I will treasure every call, every visit and every life lesson she taught me over the years.
I wish I could be there with you to pay my respects in person and to say a final farewell to Edie. Please know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers. May she rest in eternal peace.
With my deepest sympathy,
Michele
The Wheeler School
February 14, 2017
Friend
Ralph and Mary Mead
Oh Edie -you will be so sorely missed -much love to you our dear friend - you will never be forgotten - our thoughts, condolences and many prayers for the Middleton family -love from Ralph and Mary
February 9, 2017
Tony Lupino
February 8, 2017
Pam Aho
Jenny, Chrissie and Rick,
We were very sorry to learn of your loss. Edie set the bar for energy, service, and commitment in our community. I had the opportunity to experience her positive impact on so many aspects of the YMCA. It was a great privilege to be there at the time of her involvement. She was a remarkable woman. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sincerely,
Pam and Alan Aho
February 6, 2017
Jane and Jim Pratt
Dear Jenny, Chris, and Rick, I have known your mother for so many years and have fond and lasting memories of our time together at Waukeela. More recently we have had many great visits in Boston and Sun Valley,with Edie and in the past with your father. You are so fortunate to have had an such active and caring mother whose generosity and support has helped so many young women. I am glad she has been part of Jim's and my life and we will miss her.
We send our sympathy and love to all the Middleton family, Jane and Jim Pratt
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