Mrs. Ednalee Lumsden's Obituary
Ednalee “Eddie” Lumsden (Swartz), 98, of Tacoma, passed away peacefully on August 11, 2025. Kind, compassionate and generous, Eddie lived a life devoted to her family and friends. She was a teacher, an artist and a grounding force for her family, always supporting and encouraging those she loved.
Eddie was born on April 12, 1927 in Walla Walla, WA before her family relocated to Puyallup when she was a child. She graduated from Puyallup High School in 1945 and Pacific Lutheran University receiving her Bachelor’s (1949) and Master’s (1970) Degrees in Education. In 1950, Eddie married the love of her life, Charles “Duke” Lumsden, and they welcomed daughter Cynthia in 1953.
A passionate lifelong learner and educator, Eddie taught for 35 years in the Tacoma Public Schools (Park Avenue and Seward Elementaries), and enjoyed incorporating concepts and mediums from her favorite hobby (art) into her curriculum. She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma and a lifetime member of Eastern Star, Fern Chapter.
An athlete in High School and College, she was an avid sports fan and charter Seahawks season ticket holder, thanks to a 25th wedding anniversary gift from Duke. Later in life, after retirement, Eddie enjoyed traveling the world with her closest friends. More than anything, Eddie loved her family and spending time with them at her cabins on Summit Lake near Olympia.
Ednalee was preceded in death by her parents Benard and Helen Swartz (Chess), her brother Howard and the unexpected passing of her husband Duke in 1977. A beloved wife, mother, “Grammy” and great-grandmother, Eddie is survived by daughter Cindy, grandsons Steven and Jon (Tara) and great-grandchildren Kasen and Cali.
The family wishes to thank the MultiCare Hospice team and staff at Spring Ridge Assisted Living for their loving care.
A funeral to celebrate Ednalee’s life will be held on Friday, August 29 at the Mountain View Garden Chapel, 4100 Steilacoom Blvd SW, Lakewood, with reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Shriner's Hospital for Children.
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