Eleanor Lynne Elfendahl

Eleanor Lynne Elfendahl

Eleanor Lynne Elfendahl died suddenly May 14, 2016 at the age of 80. She was a resident of Mercer Island for over 50 years.

Born at Swedish hospital in Seattle, in 1935 she was a fourth generation Seattleite. She attended Holy Names Academy and Ballard High School, where she was voted “best body” by her high school class. She went on to attend University of Washington and pledged Alpha Pi sorority.

She moved to Mercer Island in 1965 with her husband Major. Some of her fondest memories were spent at the Mercer Island Beach Club where she was a timing and scoring judge for countless swimming meets and put on puppet shows for children with the Mercer Island Puppeteers.

An Engineering Analyst, she proudly worked at the Boeing Company for 25 years on many projects requiring top secret security clearance. After retiring in 1995, she took up knitting. Lynne delighted in creating sweaters and doll clothes for her grandchildren and gifted knitted pot holders to her dearest friends.

A history and genealogy enthusiast, she enjoyed attending Mayflower Society events and being a Docent at the Museum of History and Industry in Seattle. She was an active member of the Pioneers of Washington, the Fiske Genealogical Library, and member #26 of the LeDuc Society.

Her love and her joy were her family and raising her three children. Always thinking of others, she was a model of generosity, love and gentle kindness to those around her. Her laugh and enthusiasm were infectious and will be dearly missed.

She was preceded in death by her husband Major W. Elfendahl. She is survived by her three children: Dr. Mike Elfendahl, Colonel Mark (Leanne) Elfendahl, and Liz (Mike) Blaszczak; her two grandchildren Lisa and Kate Elfendahl; and her sister, Luster Johnson.

A memorial reception will be held June 3, 2016 at the Golf Club at Newcastle at 3:00.