Edith Muriel Loghry

Edie was their first born little darling, a precious angel who filled their lives with love. Two years later a little boy, brother David, arrived on the scene. Five years after that, baby sister, Suzan, became the final member of the family. With the birth of Suzan, Edie claimed her as her "doll." She would cuddle her closely in her arms exclaiming, "My baby!"

In 1942, the Baker's moved to Vancouver, Washington so Dad and Mom could work in the shipyards to help the war effort.

Edie's education included attending Sutton, Walnut Grove and McArthur Grade Schools. High School was spent at McLaughlin and Hudson's Bay.

Edie learned to tap dance at an early age. Her cousins, Maureen and Bonniebelle, were dance partners for a few years. Next, she and Bobby Robertson became a team. Dancing was a big part of her life from that time forward. Although she no longer tap danced for recitals, her love for ballroom dancing of all sorts flourished.

During her high school years she was ahead of time when she took up playing the drums; something very unusual for a young girl in those days. The rhythm she developed during her dancing years made this new activity a perfect match. Later on, her love for drums continued; especially during the Portland Rose Parade. She eagerly awaited the marching bands to pass by with the pounding boom of the drums resounding high above all other instruments. Becky and Lisa fondly remember coming home from school to see their Mommy cleaning the house dancing to the rhythms of Sandy Nelson's album, "Beat That Drum."

Other talents included sketching, painting, hairstylist, cooking, sewing, interior decorating, flower arranging and being a knowledgeable conversationalist on a variety of subjects.

When the family moved to Portland, Edie wanted to complete her high school year at Hudson's Bay so family friends graciously invited her to stay with them to accomplish her goal.

At this time she met Charles, "Chuck" Loghry, who became her forever love. They were inseparable. Fortunately for Edie, Chuck loved to dance too. It was no surprise when he asked Edie to marry him and their entire life included dancing whenever the opportunity arose.

After marrying the next chapter began. They decided to live with Edie's parents in Portland. Their first born, Rebecca "Becky" started their family. Becoming a Mommy was thrilling for Edie, her happiness was unlimited. That happiness increased twofold when, two years later Elizabeth "Lisa" bounced into their world. Now the Loghry family was complete. When Becky was 6 and Lisa 4, they moved into their first family home. Edie relished her responsibilities of being a homemaker and making it warm and welcoming.

Her children were the center of her life. Their well being was paramount. She made sure their days were filled with love and special memories. Birthdays and holidays were celebrated to the fullest. For Christmas she, along with Chuck, spent hours upon hours wrapping their packages with pretty paper and fancy bows. The anticipation of seeing Becky's and Lisa's eyes light up those mornings with wonderment and curiosity, made their efforts all worthwhile.

As the girls grew and individual interests developed, Edie and Chuck made every effort to fulfill the kids’ involvement in their individual activities. When Becky became a competitive ice skater, Chuck became her chauffeur and part-time coach; Edie her costume designer and seamstress in addition to subbing as driver whenever needed. Eventually Lisa wanted to snow ski. The whole family would bundle up, pile in the car and off to Mt. Hood Meadows they would go....mostly for night skiing. Adventure tantalized Chuck and his skiing began. He and Lisa would fearlessly zoom down the slopes together whenever he had the opportunity. Edie was snuggled in the lodge simply enjoying being what she called, an "athletic supporter."

Edie's work career included working at Meier & Franks for 8 years. Next came Canterbury Crest Nursing Services where she served for 20 years. Lisa was hired at the same time and they became traveling companions to and from work every day. Their relationship grew even stronger during the time Lisa was part of the staff. Their nursing floor responsibilities blessed the patients with their expression of thoroughness, kindness and compassion. When Lisa left for other adventures, Edie transferred to the business office where she worked as a receptionist until her retirement.

Family vacations most often were spent traveling with her parents to far away places - Canada, Wyoming, Colorado, Montana, Washington and all over Oregon. Weekends found them at the beach or camping beside lakes, rivers, ocean - or anywhere in the wilderness they could find a campsite. These excursions were accompanied on many occasions by David's kids, Ross, Johnny, Kim and, eventually, Casey. David and Louise would join these outings as often as possible. Because the entire family enjoyed going places together, it was very comical to see the caravan of vehicles rolling down the road headed to the next destination. Fun activities included hiking, fishing. boating, bike riding and singing by the campfire. Meals prepared outside with smoke from the campfire permeating the air and food, were eagerly anticipated by all.

Every family member was embraced by Edie's and Chuck's love. Once David and Louise settled in Portland with their first born, Ross, another dimension began. Open arms welcomed David's and Louise's next little ones, Johnny, Kim and Casey.

Sister Suzan was a constant in Edie's life. There was never a time when she didn't know of Edie's love. Whatever the occasion, big sister called little sister to be a part of her plans.

Time flew by and Lisa met and fell in love with her husband to be, Mark Cavanaugh. He became the son Edie and Chuck never had. When Edie eventually became a Grammy, she was fulfilled beyond words with the birth of Meghan. Edie was present in the delivery room and exuberantly jumped up and down for joy exclaiming, "It's a girl, it's a girl!" while enthusiastically clapping her hands. The pleasure of watching her, "sunshine," Meghan, grow and explore her own interests, brought never ending joy. Just imagine her delight when Jesi, her "beautiful doll" arrived. She now had a second little darling to love. Jesi, too, developed her own interests that Edie was in awe of.

Edie had an adventurous spirit. Although she never learned to swim, she did not hesitate to answer the call of the wild to go rubber rafting down the Deschutes in Eastern Oregon. During the trip everyone decided to go body surfing. Edie eagerly agreed. This proved to be rather a frightening experience for her; but, because her champion, Chuck, was at her side, they safely survived. Not once did she ever say she wished she hadn't participated in this event. It was a close call for them, but she appreciated the experience none-the-less.

As mentioned, being a homemaker made her life worthwhile. She learned to cook from her Mother. Edie's dining room table was always elegant and filled with delicious food. Chuck was her biggest fan. Guests and family most often wanted seconds whenever they feasted on her meals.

She and Chuck loved to garden along with their daughters. Every summer, Chuck would tend to his numerous rose bushes. When the first bloom was ready, he would cut it and present it to his darling, Edie. She always appreciated his gesture and looked forward each year to see which variety of rose would adorn her table. Their yard was admired by all. Strangers would stop them when Edie and Chuck were working in it to ask who their landscaper was. It gave them great delight and pleasure to say they had done the work themselves.

The time came when the Cavanaugh family moved from Oregon to accommodate Mark's work. They eventually settled in Anchorage where they continue to live. Edie missed them greatly. Flying was another foible of hers yet she mustered up the courage to make the plane trip to spend as much time with them as often as possible. Adventure awaited her in Alaska. On her return home her family was captivated hearing about her escapades and the people she had met. A thrill she never forgot was visiting the air force base where she got dressed in a fighter pilot's suit and had her picture taken in the cockpit of a fighter jet.

Her life changed drastically when Chuck died in 1999. Her "Chuckles" was no longer there to laugh, dance, explore or be her companion and partner. It was then she and Suzie became roommates.

The years after this seemed to bring health concerns for her to deal with. Since Edie was raised in Christian Science, she automatically turned to God and claimed her perfection which she knew was established in Him. The challenges seemed too much, so with love in their hearts her daughter's asked her if she would see if the medical field could help. Each daughter was by her side all the way during this time. Lisa was here from Alaska at the most important decision making times. Along with Becky, they would encourage her to do what was necessary. When Lisa had to return home, Becky stepped up to the plate and became her Mommy's appointment maker, communicator and more importantly, her constant, dedicated care giver. This was their time to develop even a stronger bond. Edie relied on Becky for all her needs. Suzie pitched in to help with Edie's care, too; but, it was Becky who was by her side day and night whenever Edie needed her most. Becky would ask her, "Who loves you baby?" and Edie always answered, "You do!"

Her love for God, Christian Science and most definitely her family, never faltered. Edie will be missed yet we know her faith, warmth, trust, sense of humor, laughter, tenderness, gentleness, caring, friendliness and protectiveness - all qualities of God - will live on. Her girls felt wrapped in the safety of their Mommy's embrace. At those times they always knew, all is well!