Mary Helen Carapina Edwards, age 93, passed away Jan. 30, 2018, in Yakima, Wash. She was born at home in Aberdeen, Wash. on Sept. 8, 1924, one of two daughters of Matilda and Charles Stanko Carapina. Mary grew up in Aberdeen with friends and relatives, many, Croatian immigrants like her parents. She married, settled in Longview, later raising her children single-handedly. She held to the tradition of taking her children “home” every Christmas to share traditional foods, stories, and gifts with family and friends, until her parents had both passed away.

She attended Longview business college. She retired from Weyerhaeuser in Longview after over 25 years of service. She held many positions there, the last one being at the front entry as receptionist and PBX operator. For many years following retirement, she enjoyed regular lunch gatherings with her former coworker-friends. She served on the association board of her condominium, where she was delighted to live for 30 years. Mary followed the news avidly, also enjoying shopping, good food, and movies. She was a longtime member of St. Rose Catholic church.

Mary lived her last five years in Yakima, Wash., near her daughter and family. She continued to follow current events and converse with those around her, despite physical infirmities.

She is survived by her son David S. Edwards, daughter Denise A. Edwards, granddaughters, Maria, Meghan, Oksana, and grandson, Izavien.

A memorial service took place at Brookside funeral home in Yakima. Mary was laid to rest at Fern Hill cemetery in Aberdeen next to her parents and her sister Ann.

Condolences and memories can be sent to brooksidefhc.com.