Eunice Jessie De Soto's Obituary
Eunice De Soto was born, the first of six children, to Christian parents of Dutch Reformed Church background, steeped in rich tradition and doctrine, in the little town of Ogilvie Minnesota. She loved her parents and siblings so much, she always stayed close by, (in her heart), to be their leader, companion, and friend, throughout all of their lives.
She married young (19), to Harry (21), her childhood sweetheart, weeks before Harry was called to serve in WWII. Eunice kept very busy during the three years Harry was away. She continued her college education, and teaching grades 1-8, in a one room school house during freezing conditions. She faithfully arrived at the school house one hour early to start the fire. One year later, she helped move her parents and siblings to move to Tacoma WA, and there she became a welder, with remarkable skills, for the Tacoma Shipyard. She was also recruited to serve as military civilian on special assignments near the end of the war.
When Harry was expected to return stateside, to San Fransisco, CA, Eunice went there immediately, found an apartment and part time work, as she waited for his arrival. She easily found a job, not only for herself, but for Harry as well. They stayed in California for three years, serving a wealthy, loving family, as chauffeur, grounds keeper, cook, and governess. Eunice and Harry were so adored by them, they were asked to stay for life. This was an honor, with future security, but Eunice wanted to be near her family, and start a life of their own.
Many years passed, without any children of her own. Eunice loved her little nephews and nieces. So, she kept busy, playing with them, teaching school and continuing her education in the area of helping hearing impaired children, to live in the world, and not to be scared to step out and enjoy life. Harry had lost most of his hearing during the war, and Eunice was always sensitive to people with disabilities, making it an easy choice for this specialized field of studies and teaching. Eunice used innovative ways to reach deaf students, using rhythm, and every year had her students sing, making high sounds and low sounds, to the point the melody actually did come through. Eunice had ideas for everything, and was recognized many times by local professors and fellow educators, for her accomplishments to forward the direction of the future for children who needed a little extra help. Stories of her student’s amazing learned skills were featured in the local paper many times.
Her students weren’t the only people Eunice helped. Anyone who came into her path, would be subject to her prayers, compassion, sympathy, and if you stayed around her long enough, you would get a good dose of advice as well. But, she would never, ever, turn you away, no matter the situation or circumstances. Her prayer list was huge, and she waited for years, in many cases, for loved ones to seek God’s Love, Help, and Forgiveness. She always believed, “God will do His Work, why don’t you go along with Him while He’s doing it?”
Years later, Eunice and Harry took on the assignment to adopt and love two children of their own. Eunice had a keen sense of social management, and kept the family on track, with Harry doing whatever Eunice asked him to do. Harry and Eunice were a wonderful team. Harry would get tired, and Eunice would say, “Well, then just go to bed.” Eunice would stay up until midnight, baking cookies and cakes, and writing opinion papers, or studying for exams. She was also taking college classes continuously, so it seemed. University of Minnesota, University of Washington, Pacific Lutheran University, University of Nebraska, and Gaulidette University for the Deaf in DC. All this, while teaching in the Tacoma Public Schools, and serving as Sunday School Superintendent at her church for years, selecting curriculum and enlisted teachers. Of course, Harry was assigned to be a teacher as well! They both loved being members of the church, watching it grow, and especially sound teaching, and being part of something bigger than themselves... The Lord’s Work.
Eunice loved the simplest of things: A kiss from Harry, on the lips, before he headed to bed. Coffee, day and night. The sound of church bells. Children and play dolls. Horses, owls, and all of nature. There is no end to all she loved. She loved life, and “stuff”, as we well know:)
She believed, “You can always achieve much more than you think, because God has made you to do His Good Work,”
Faith, Family and Friends, then Finances, she would say, you need them all, in this order. Most importantly, she wanted everyone to know the Good News of God’s Love.
Eunice is survived by her youngest sister, Rose Christofferson, daughter Rebecca Brauhn, three grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren, also many other children, who call her grandma.
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