Edith Mae Johnson's Obituary
Born in 1917 to Bessie and Eugene Tyrrell, Edith grew up on a wheat ranch in the Horse Heaven Hills of Eastern Washington where her parents had a homestead. As the youngest of five children, her siblings were three brothers, Evert, Bertie, and Clark, and one sister, Berniece. Edith's many stories of life on the ranch included caring for animals, making biscuits for shepherds, watching out for herds of wild horses, sleigh rides to school during the winter, and playing tricks on the "city kids" who came to visit. Edith completed 8th grade in Horse Heaven before staying with a family friend in town to complete her schooling and graduate from Kennewick High School.
Edith went on to Beauty School where she studied to become a beautician. Here she met Mable Johnson who introduced Edith to her brother, Joe, who would later become her husband. Edith Tyrrell married Joe Johnson in July, 1943, in Macon, Georgia, where Joe was stationed in the military. Edith was a practicing beautician for many years, both in Georgia and in Washington State. She had fond memories of working at the Marcus Whitman Hotel in Walla Walla, and for several years her skills allowed her to work out of her basement at home in Tacoma. Later, when Julee was approaching junior high, Edith went to work as a bookkeeper for Gray's Business Service. She enjoyed this occupation for many years, but retirement didn't last for long. In her mid eighties, Edith went back to bookkeeping for a jewelry store, and was especially intrigued with learning computer skills.
In 1951, Joe and Eadie welcomed Julee into the family, and soon Eadie was actively involved in preschool and PTA activities. At this time she met Ron and Rose Haave who have been like family members ever since. Always an active participant in life, Eadie enjoyed performing in school plays at Whitman Elementary School and in the drama productions at Asbury United Methodist Church. Somewhere between acting, doing people's hair, knitting, crocheting, and sewing for herself, family, and friends, Eadie found time to take up painting. As in her other hobbies, her talent came through and many have enjoyed her works of art. Eadie and Joe also enjoyed the many friends met during their years of dance club participation.
As the empty nest syndrome began to set in, Eadie had time to join another group, the Order of Eastern Star. She is a Past Matron of both Cedar and Faith Chapters and was a Grand Representative to Oklahoma in 1992-93. In 1999-2000, she was Grand Electa. She loved the opportunity to be as busy as she wanted to be, and through her lodge activities, she met so many wonderful people and dear friends.
At 100 years of age, Eadie was still living the way she wanted, actively and independently in her own home. She maintained a positive attitude and always enjoyed learning new things. She attributed her long life to good chocolate and one bottle of beer a day. Family gatherings were especially fun since she could catch up with everyone, tell a few jokes, and enjoy a variety of card games and other activities. She was most amazed that progress during her lifetime could go from horse and buggies to cars that drive themselves.
After suffering a stroke, Eadie died peacefully on July 25, 2017. She is preceded in death by her husband, Joe Johnson. She is survived by her daughter, Julee Fiorito; son-in-law, Bob Fiorito; granddaughters, Gina Piccolotto (husband, Denny), and Tara Fiorito; grandsons, Carson Splaine, Boston Piccolotto, and Lincoln Piccolotto and numerous relatives. She was most often called "Aunt Eadie" since she was not only an aunt to many, but also great aunt, great-great aunt, and even great-great-great aunt Eadie! She will truly be missed!
A memorial service for Edith Johnson will be held at Spanaway United Methodist Church on August 20th, at 2:30 pm. A reception following the service will be at Dryer Masonic Hall.
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