My wonderful, amazing mother, Lilie (Lee) Madison, passed away early on Sept. 30, 2010, after a brief illness. I was with her when she died along with her sister, Kiku Endo, her nieces Trina and Stacy Kiyasu, and her great-niece, Gaea Haymaker.

Mom was born in Kent, Wash., on July 4, 1929, and was one of 12 children. The family lived in Kent until World War II when they were forced into an internment camp, first in Tule Lake, Calif., and then at Heart Mountain, Wyo. After release from the camp, Mom moved to Philadelphia where she graduated from Germantown High School and then Temple University. While at Temple, she met Olga Jenkins, her best friend to this day.

After college, Mom joined the Army. She met my father, James Madison, while they were both stationed at Ford Ord, Calif. They married on Dec. 5, 1953. Three children followed: Michael, Shannon, and Leslie. They raised us while traveling around the country and overseas, until my father’s retirement. After a year in Federal Way, we moved to Oak Harbor in 1970.

Mom returned to school to get her teaching certificate and then spent the next several years teaching kindergarten, first and third grades. She was also very active in the Oak Harbor Education Association and the National Education Association. After retiring, Mom kept herself busy traveling, volunteering and spending time with family and friends. She loved new experiences and meeting new people. Mom also enjoyed spending time at the Senior Center where she played bingo and poker with her many friends.

Mom lived her life with a quiet strength, integrity and dignity. She always gave her best and expected nothing less from us. She instilled in us a love of learning and books and the importance of always coordinating our clothes. From her I learned compassion, empathy, honesty and the importance of treating others with respect. She is my hero.

Mom was preceded in death by my brother, Michael J.; my father, James B.; and my sister, Leslie K Douglas.

She is survived by her daughter, Shannon Madison; brother, Frederick Y. Endo; sister, Ester K. Thompson; brother, Chiaki C. Endo; sister, Kikumi (Chrys) Endo; sisters-in-law Mary Endo and Fusae Endo; Nancy Saurto; and Shirley Knox. She also leaves many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

At her insistence, there will be no services. Remembrances may be made to the Oak Harbor Senior Center.