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MARTHA MARIA (SUOMINEN) SEAL
October 23rd, 1920 ~ March 9th, 2017
Martha Maria Seal, 96, passed away on March 9th, 2017 in Brush Prairie, WA. She was born October 23rd, 1920 in Taivassalo, Finland to Frans and Ilma Suominen.
She is survived by her daughter, Debbie Seal; son, Dan (Jeanetta) Seal; four grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and two sisters, Margit Skog of Battle Ground, WA, and Eila (Jussi) Tanninen of Paimio, Finland.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Orlie; two sisters, Lempi Forland, Irja Jaansalu; and five brothers, Erkki, Mertsi, Arvo, Kosti and Aarne Suominen.
Martha worked as a professional baker for many years starting with baking bread for the Finnish soldiers during WW2. She said she fell in love with the white uniform that nurses wore and wanted to be one, but opportunities were limited and when she was able to put on her white baking uniform, she was satisfied.
Martha immigrated to the United States in the 1950's, and she lived on both the east and west coast. It was on the west coast where she met Orlie. Once married, she was a homemaker for the next 53 years until her travelling companion and husband passed away.
Martha loved to knit, cook, and bake and she shared her homemade products generously with everyone she came in contact with.
The final years of her life were spent with family as she waited patiently to be called Home. She held steadfast to her Christianity and was a member of the Old Apostolic Lutheran Church.
The funeral will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wed., March 15, 2017 at the Old Apostolic Lutheran Church of Brush Prairie, 16603 NE 142nd Ave., Brush Prairie, WA 98606. Viewing will be prior to the funeral at 10 a.m. Martha will be interred at Willamette National Cemetery.
Please sign her guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2 Entries
A delightful optimistic person. My deep heartfelt sympathy to her family at their loss.
Mary Shepard
March 16, 2017
I have many good memories as a teenager and young adult going to Martha and Orlie's house with my family to visit or for sauna. Many interesting visits sampling Martha's bakery and very strong coffee! Many finish friends have spent time with them as they had opened their doors and hearts. I remember Martha as a jolly lady with a strong accent, but one who also kept christianity important. Debbie and Dan, you are now sadly orphans in this world. However, it seems your dad and mom are shining like stars in the world to come waiting to unite with you some day. We pray for strength for you during this grieving time.
Helena Abernathy
March 13, 2017
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