Margaret Ahlstrom

Margaret Ahlstrom died Feb. 8, 2004, at Oak Harbor Retirement Center, Oak Harbor. She was born in Pomeroy Sept. 26, 1916, to Simon and Theresa (Kramer) Schaaf. She was raised in Colfax. Following high school, Margaret attended business school for two years and then began work as a secretary for Washington Water and Power in Spokane.

Margaret moved to Seattle and was employed by the Corps of Army Engineers. While there she met Archie Ahlstrom, one of the engineers. Archie was transferred to Vicksburg, Miss., and Margaret followed him. They were married in Vicksburg Feb. 22, 1946. Archie had three children from a previous marriage and Margaret accepted his children as her own.

Archie was transferred to the Panama Canal Zone in 1946. While stationed in Panama, sons Michael and Kenneth were born. In 1949, they left Panama for Kodiak, Alaska, where daughter Kathy was born. Archie accepted a position at Whidbey Island Naval Air Station in 1956 and the family moved to Oak Harbor and then on to Coupeville. In 1967, Margaret and Archie moved to Lacey and in 1976, they returned to Coupeville.

Margaret was a member of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church of Oak Harbor. She had been a very active member of the church for many years. She enjoyed gardening, reading and travel. Her children said she lived every day as if it was her last day on earth.

Margaret is survived by six children and their spouses: Michael Ahlstrom of Olalla; Kenneth and Karen Ahlstrom of Lynnwood; Kathy Boaz of Oak Harbor; Karin Dickinson of Naples, Fla., Harlow Ahlstrom of Maple Valley and Kirsten Larson of Mukilteo. Four sisters, Angeline Schaaf, Isabelle Schaaf and Agnes Mullen, all of Spokane and Louise Ayers of Woodinville and one brother Ray Schaaf of Bothell, and 15 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren, nieces and nephews also survive. Her husband Archie and two brothers Oscar and Lawrence Schaaf preceded her in death.

Services of remembrance for Margaret H. Ahlstrom will be held Saturday, Feb. 14, at 1 p.m., at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church with Rev. Carol Harlacher officiating. Cremation was held with private family inurnment at Sunnyside Cemetery, Coupeville.

Memorials may be made to Skagit Hospice, 2031 A. Hospital Drive, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98221. Arrangements are by Burley Funeral Chapel.