Elaine Somers was a Monroe area resident and a longtime environmental professional whose career spanned environmental science, federal regulatory review, transportation planning and natural-resource conservation.
Elaine was born in St. Louis MO and spent early years in Davenport IO. Her family moved to Medina in 1965. Elaine attended and graduated from Bellevue High School.
As a University of Washington graduate, Elaine earned a bachelor's degree in botany and a master's degree in forest resources management, specializing in natural ecosystems, wildlife and conservation biology. Snohomish County has named a feature at Bob Heirman Wildlife Park in Elaine’s honor.
Elaine began working for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 1983 and subsequently held positions involving environmental review and transportation policy in EPA's Pacific Northwest Region 10. Her work included reviewing major infrastructure projects under the National Environmental Policy Act, promoting earlier integration of environmental considerations into transportation planning, and collaborating with federal, state and local agencies.
Elaine also served as EPA Region 10's beneficial landscaping coordinator, promoting landscaping and land-management practices that protect natural habitats, wildlife and water resources. Her professional contributions include a published conference paper on environmental review and transportation planning, participation in interagency technical studies, and presentations to transportation and environmental planning professionals.
Elaine and her husband, Snohomish County Executive “Napa” Dave Somers, met in 1973 as members of the University of Washington Husky Marching Band (piccolo and Sousaphone respectively) and married in 1981. Their shared interests have included music, the natural environment, and caring for rescued horses and many doggies, among many other things. Her musical talents were an important connection to her especially within her faith and faith community as she participated in her church’s musical programs at Saint Mary of the Valley Catholic Church, She and her husband also were members of the Sacred Heart Church Choir in Bellevue WA for many years and also members of the Choir of the Sound. Her work with horse rescues and the many rescue doggies she and Napa adapted as their family, reflected her empathetic, gentle, and caring nature.
Elaine is survived by her mother Mary Ann Youch, brothers Glenn, Ken and Ed Youch, their families and her husband Napa. She was a kind and caring individual of strong faith, crystal-clear strong values, and deeply caring for others and our planet. Elaine will be greatly missed by the many whose lives she touched.
