Edith Elizabeth Christensen

Edith Elizabeth Christensen (Sundsted), 95, of Shoreline, died peacefully on Mothers’ Day, May 12, 2024. She was born during a blizzard on March 6, 1929, on the family farm in Antelope, MT, and as a child moved to Seattle with her family.

Edith was an exceptional student and graduated from Garfield High School in only three years. She then continued her education at the University of Washington, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy. In the first of her three professional careers, Edith worked as a pharmacist in Aberdeen, Indianapolis, and Seattle.

Edith’s second, and most notable, career accomplishment was as Founder and first Head of The Evergreen School in Shoreline, which she opened in 1963. With her dedication and vision, Edith created this exemplary school that has shaped the lives of countless students and continues to thrive today. During her 27 years at Evergreen, Edith kept the school going with her sheer tenacity and passion for education, and somehow also found time to earn a Master’s degree.

After retiring from Evergreen, Edith went on to complete her Doctorate in Education from the UW, later becoming an educational consultant to various schools and a private tutor for many autistic and dyslexic children.

Never one to slow down, in the early 2000s she rediscovered the Northwest Danish Association, where she volunteered and served as president for 17 years until her retirement at age 94. Edith was deeply committed to the work of the Northwest Danish Association (NWDA).

At NWDA, Edith enjoyed volunteering side-by-side with her beloved husband Frank (also a proud Danish-American). They both brought their love of their Danish heritage to their roles.

Among many awards, in 2019 Edith was presented with the Pulakis Memorial Award from the Ethnic Heritage Council for her significant contributions to the Danish-American community and the community at large.

Edith epitomized the phrase: “Good things come in small packages.” She was a brilliant and remarkable woman who had three careers that individually could have been any one person’s life-long position, as well as many other passions including being a mom, aunt, grandma, and great-grandma.

Survivors include her daughter Lynn Pattison (John), Arlington, WA; son Alan Christensen (Roseann), Lincoln, NE; eight grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. Edith was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 72 years, Frank; parents Esther Johansen and Niels Sundsted; sister Elia Smith; and brothers Eigel and Ervin Sundsted.

A celebration of Life open house will be held at 1 pm on June 8 at NWDA.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to: Northwest Danish Association, 1833 N. 105th St., Suite 100, Seattle, WA 98133. northwestdanish.org