Astrid (Johnson) Tengelin passed away Tuesday, April 27, 2010, in Stanwood, at the age of 94.
She was born on Camano Island, October 15, 1915 to John Johnson and Theresa Bjorkgren Johnson, both Swedish Immigrants. Growing up on Camano, living a simple farm life, she was a quiet person but adventurous, spirited and independent. She and her best friend, June (Solie) Iverson spent 4 days once rowing around Camano Island, camping on the beaches at night. After high school, she and June ventured off to Seattle to work for several years before she returned back to the family farm. She then married Axel Tengelin in Mount Vernon on March 2, 1940. They had three children: John, Marlene and Nancy.
She raised her children, then worked at the First National Bank of Stanwood for 15 years and retired when it had become the present Bank of America. She enjoyed working with the public and was "favorite teller" to some. She was very good with money and during her work years she would pick out a piece of property, they would buy it, and Axel would do the improvements, then some years later would sell it for a profit.
They both retired in the 1970's, she and Axel spent the next 20 years taking many trips, including Sweden, Alaska, Hawaii and winters in Palm Springs and Arizona. She especially enjoyed going in the camper for days at a time to Soap Lake and the Oregon Coast, as well as trail hiking in the North Cascades. She loved to garden, can fruit, harvesting every apple off their trees, and doing home improvements.
After Axel needed to be moved to nursing care at Josephine, Astrid moved into Josephine's assisted living wing to be near him. She remained there for nine years, where she met many friends and went on many outings. She was much loved there by the wonderful staff and residents of the Josephine Suites. They were like family to her.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Axel and daughter, Marlene. She is survived by her son: John (Brenda) Tengelin of Mount Vernon, daughter: Nancy Tengelin of Camano Island; grandchildren: Robert and Scott Tengelin of Lynnwood and Karin Yost of Mount Vernon, Shanna Murphy of Everett and Julie Schilling-Thibodeaux of Puyallup; great-grandchildren: Mariah Schilling of Puyallup and Kyle Schilling of Everett; numerous nieces and nephews; including special niece Elaine Aalmo, and relatives in Sweden.
Astrid, a true "Camano Islander" has come full circle. Up until the end of her life, she was able to enjoy the farmhouse where she was born, and she will be laid to rest within yards of the grave of the midwife who delivered her in that house 94 years ago.
Viewing will be held Friday, May 7, 2010, 10:00 am until 3:00 pm at Gilbertson Funeral Home. A Celebration of Astrid's life will be held Saturday, May 8, 2010, 11:00 am at Gilbertson Funeral Home, followed by a Graveside Service at Camano Lutheran Cemetery on Camano Island, followed by a fellowship at the Tengelin family farm.
Memorials may be in Astrid's name to Providence Hospice or Josephine Suites.