Violet L. Lippmann

Violet was born on August 4, 1917 in a log cabin in Stanford, Mt. to Harrell and Elvira Stevens. She passed away in Seattle on Oct. 29, 20121 at the age of 95. She grew up with her brother Tommy and sister Annabel Lapinski and loved the outdoors and the farm life. She moved to Seattle and graduated from Broadway High School on Capitol Hill. While attending Broadway High School she met her husband to be, Kurt, in 1935. According to his memoirs, “In 1935 I met my waterloo in the form of a stunning dark haired dark eyed gal I promptly named peanuts and six months latter Vi and I were married by a Justice of the Peace. She was 8 days past her 18th Birthday.” They lived in the University District, Fletchers Village, Ballard and North Beach over the years and they had two children, Barb and Kurt during this time.

In the late 1940’s Kurt and Vi learned thru a friend, Bill Knight, of waterfront property for sale on Lake Howard. They both cleared the property and built cabins which provided years of enjoyment for their families and friends. A perfect place for short get-a-ways!

In 1955 they joined the F.O.E. Ballard Eagles #172 and became very involved. She was on the drill team prior to going thru the chairs and becoming President in 1968. The Bestemor Club (Grandmother’s Club) started at Vi’s house in 1959. Every year after that they planned a picnic at Lake Sammamish. They had coins in the straw pile and races plus great great food and swimming. In 1968 Kurt and Vi became close friends of the Lagervalls and vacationed with them as well as worked tirelessly on Eagles projects.

During her (95) years Violet was passionate about many things. She loved to travel. In fact, Kurt and Vi were labeled the “Happy Wanderers” and that shoe fit. They wintered in Death Valley as ”snowbirds” often do. They travelled to Mexico, Hawaii, Alaska, across the United States and Canada, too. She really loved to go fishing for trout, salmon and crab.

Her two greatest loves, even though she had many, were gardening and family and these passions stayed with her to the last few days of her life. Violet was an avid gardener with a “green thumb”. Her condo still has beautiful flowers on the deck and plants blooming inside today. When it became difficult to attend to them she always had help from Sandi and family members. She kept track of birthdays, anniversaries, and always made sure a card or gift was sent. She often wrote letters and constantly kept track of what was happening with family members’ lives even when talking on the phone was very difficult. She had a blessed life.

She is survived by a large family including her daughter Barbara Krull (Jim deceased) and son Kurt Lippmann (Suzanne). She has six Grandchildren David Krull (Julie), Denise Krull-Mayfield (Scott), Deanna Fenner (Gary Garner), Dawna Guthrie (Rex), Sonia Lippmann and Kurt Lippmann (Shari). She has eleven Great Grandchildren Jason Lake (Petra), Joe Krull (Michelle), Josh Knox, Breanna Kennedy (Eric), Andrew Mayfield (Mallie), Krystal McNallie (Kyle), Justin Bolles, Ryan Guthrie, Jade, Kurt and Kohl Lippmann. Violet is the Great Great Grandmother of nine children Danelle, Tyler, Lili, D.J., Jasmin, Madelaine, Joline, Konner and Eliot expected in March2013. She has many nieces and nephews from the Lapinski, Lacher and Lippmann side of the family. She dearly loved all her friends and relatives and the love was mutual.

She was able to live at home with her caregiver Sandie giving part-time assistance and excellent care in her own Condo past her 95th birthday.

Thanks to Sandie and family members for allowing Mom to be at home for her 95th Birthday. Thanks, also, to Foss Home for their excellent care and Physical Therapy in the last year when two short stays were needed. Thanks to the University of Washington Audiology staff for improving mom’s hearing with a cochlear implant earlier this year. It helped give her some valuable hearing when she needed it most.

A Celebration of her life will be held at the Ballard Elk’s Lodge #827 at 6411 Seaview Ave. N., Seattle, Wa. 98107 on Nov. 25, 2012 at 12:00pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to F.O.E Ballard #172 Auxiliary at P.O. Box 17873, Seattle, WA. 98127 or The Foss Home at 13023 Greenwood Ave. N., Seattle, Wa. 98133.