Audree Virginia Johnson Steveley

Beloved wife of John R., died peacefully February 8, 2002, in Seattle. She was born in Seattle July 26, 1917, to John and Agnes Johnson, and educated in Seattle schools. She graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1935. From there she attended the University of Washington, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1939 and a three-year Normal Diploma teaching certificate in 1941.

In 1942 Audree completed the Advanced Red Cross training course and served as an Air Raid Warden during World War II. In 1944 she received her Airman Certificate. She was an Air Traffic Controller at both Spokane and Boeing Field towers. She married John R. Steveley of Chicago in December, 1945. They moved to Seattle in 1950, where they lived for more than 50 years. Together they raised three children.

While raising her family, Audree gave countless hours of volunteer service to the PTA, Camp Fire Girls, and the Boy Scouts. In 1957 she founded and was the first president of the Wedgwood Preschool Association. After her family was grown, until her retirement in 1982, Audree was employed by the University of Washington, in the School of Medicine and the School of Communications. She was an active member of University Lutheran Church for more than 60 years.

Audree?s greatest joy was spending time with her family and friends. She especially enjoyed hiking in the mountains and backpacking with all her children and grandchildren, skiing trips, family projects, and family celebrations of all kinds. She was instrumental in building the family business, Ptarmigan Press, both before and after her retirement from the University of Washington. She treasured her friends, old and new, and remained close to several childhood pals throughout her life. Audree had the gift of making everyone around her shine brighter in her presence. She touched and inspired all who knew her with her selflessness, grace, and generosity.

In addition to her loving husband, John, of Sequim, Audree is survived by son John R. Julianna of Port Ludlow; two daughters, Jean Michael Krohn of Mountlake Terrace, and Linda Ed Schreiner of Port Angeles; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

A Memorial Service will be held Thursday, February 28, at Columbia Lutheran Home, 4700 Phinney Ave. No. at 2:00 PM. Remembrances may be made to Columbia Lutheran Home. Arrangements and burial by Evergreen-Washelli.