Madeline Sturm's Obituary
Madeline Hutson Sturm was surrounded by her family as she peacefully was called home to be with the Lord on July 20, 2013 at 103 years old.
Madeline Isabell Hutson was born in Edgewood, CA at the foot of Mt. Shasta on May 24, 1910. As a child she lived in Oregon, Montana, and finally Tacoma, WA. Madeline graduated Valedictorian from Lincoln High School in 1928. In 1930 she married Leslie A. Sturm and lived in Portland and here in Tacoma. They and their son, Les, moved to Alaska in 1941. Soon after their daughter Kathy completed the family.
While in Juneau Madeline worked for the US Government, the Territory of Alaska and finally the State of Alaska. She played a part in the transition of Alaska from territory to statehood. Madeline also enjoyed her time being a Sunday School teacher for the 3 year old class. She also loved to hike; climbing Mt. Juneau and Mt. Roberts most every summer. Madeline and Les retired and moved back to Tacoma where they enjoyed family, friends and much traveling. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 1980. Several months later, Les passed away. Madeline continued traveling and went all over the world.
She was a member of Spanaway Lutheran Church, helping several years with the food bank and then became very active with the Church quilters, making hundreds of quilts for the community as well as lap robes for nursing homes.
Madeline was an independent woman; overflowing with love, compassion, patience, generosity and a great faith in her Lord. She was a devoted wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother and friend. We have all been so Blessed to have been a part of her life. She was greeted into heaven by her husband, siblings, and one grandson. She is survived by her son Leslie J. Sturm of Sitka, AK, her daughter Kathleen F. Sturm Zable of Renton, WA, 11 grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren and numerous great great grandchildren.
Her memorial service will be held on Wednesday, August 7, 2013 at Mountain View Funeral Home at 11 am. Memorials may be made to either Spanaway Lutheran Church or Special Olympics.
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