Elsie V. Kalenius was born on January 9, 1915, in Seattle, WA. She died on April 28, 2007, at Homeplace in Burlington, WA. Elsie graduated from Hoquiam High School in 1933. She graduated from Western Washington University in Bellingham in 1940 with a BS in Education. She received her Master's Degree in Education from the University of Washington in Seattle in 1965. She began her teaching career in Toutle and continued teaching in the Highline School District from 1944 until her retirement in 1977. Elsie was a woman of strong convictions and a deep faith in God. She was an active member of St. Elizabeth's Episcopal Church in Burien for over 40 years where she served as Lay Eucharistic Minister and pastoral visitor. She was an associate of the Community of the Holy Spirit and was honored by receiving the Bishop's Cross. She also participated in Bible Study and was a friend and mentor to many. Elsie was an enthusiastic and interested lady; she delighted in meeting and visiting with people from all walks of life. She was a devoted daughter and sister and aunt to her family. She also enjoyed traveling, golfing, fishing, and walking her pet Schnauzers in Salt Water State Park. Elsie was preceded in death by her parents, Hjalmar and Agnes (Erickson) Kalenius, her brother, Stanley Kalenius, her sister and brother-in-law, Shirley and Wellington Westbrook, and her longtime friend and companion, Irwanda Bateman. She is survived by 6 nieces and nephews, 11 great nieces and nephews, and 4 great-great nieces and nephews. She also leaves many cousins, two of whom were also very close friends: Eleanor Hope of Issaquah, WA, and Carol Hohensee of Hoquiam, WA. A memorial service for Elsie will be held on Sunday, May 6, at 1:00 at St. Elizabeth's Episcopal Church in Burien. Inurnment will be held at St. Mark's Cathedral in Seattle following the memorial service. Cremation is under the direction of Hawthorne Funeral Home in Mount Vernon. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to St. Elizabeth's Episcopal Church; 1005 SW 152nd; Burien, WA 98166, or a charity of choice. The family is deeply grateful to Nancy Gentry and the staff at Homeplace in Burlington for the generosity, loving care, and dignity which were given to Elsie. We also thank the nurses at Skagit Hospice who cared for her during her final days.