WA - Mary Elizabeth Lindholm passed away peacefully on September 23rd. She was living independently at Quail Park in Lynnwood where she had resided for the past seven years and was known and loved by many.

Mary was born in Boston, Massachusetts to Joseph and Mary Sybertz on April 12, 1939. Mary spent the first 12 years of her life in Boston before the family relocated to Port Orchard, Washington, where her father followed his naval career to work in the Bremerton shipyard. The family left behind numerous relatives in the Boston area, several who remain living there today.

Mary was the eldest of 4 and is survived by sisters Barbara Stewart (Pete Stewart) of Port Orchard, and Lorraine Clayton (David Clayton) of Seattle and brother Bill Sybertz (Nelva Sybertz) of Panama. She graduated from South Kitsap High School and received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Edmonds College later in life.

Mary met the love of her life, Charles Lindholm, in Seattle and they were married until his passing in 2004. Charles/"Chuck" brought his three children to their relationship, Robert, Barry (71) (Dina Lindholm) and Linda (69), currently residing in Jefferson and Lake Oswego, Oregon respectfully. Mary was very protective of Barry and Linda, following the passing of Chuck's eldest son, Robert at age 12. She stepped into the role of "step-mom" to young teens with no experience but an abundance of love and support. Together, Mary and Chuck had a daughter, Lisa James-Schiller (60) (John Schiller) of Bellevue, Washington and David Lindholm (57) (Rachel Cox) Taos, New Mexico. They bought their first home in Lynnwood, where they lived for 15 years and made many lasting friendships.

Mary enjoyed a long career with the Pacific Northwest Bell Telephone Company in Seattle where she was an operator. After the birth of daughter, Lisa, Mary eventually set aside her work to stay home and give focus to her family life. With Chuck's work taking him to Alaska, California, Montana and Idaho for months at a time, Mary often held down the fort at home. As a Mom, Mary enthusiastically took on whatever her children expressed an interest in. She was a Brownie and Girl Scout leader, baking instructor, craft coordinator, assistant model rocket-ship engineer and driver to many BMX bike competitions, all while managing and maintaining the home on her own. She was a skilled seamstress and sewed everything from baby and doll outfits to detailed gowns and backdrops for high school and college dances and events.

When Lisa and David were in high school, she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration at Edmonds College, where she then worked for the next 15 years as Secretary to the Dean of the Business School.

Chuck and Mary were blessed with 6 grandchildren: Donald Renalds (51) of Vancouver, Washington, Barry Lindholm Jr., Nathan Lindholm (40) of Grand Junction, Colorado, Kyle Renalds (44) of Lake Oswego, Oregon, Paisley James (29) of Santa Monica, California, Finn Lindholm of Brooklyn, New York and great-granddaughter, Maddie Renalds of Lake Oswego, Oregon. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles "Chuck" Lindholm (2004); grandson Barry Lindholm, Jr. (2022).

Mary's love language was punctuated by acts of service. She was very involved in her church, helping to establish and maintain the community garden, decorating the sanctuary at the holidays, baking and volunteering for church receptions and events and participating in bible studies. Though her heritage was Irish, she fully embraced her husbands' Finnish traditions and culture. Even after his passing, she spent countless hours baking, volunteering and attending events at the Nordic Heritage Museum in Ballard and formed close friendships through her involvement. Mary also prioritized donating blood, in support of Chuck's heart condition and subsequent heart transplant. She was honored at Puget Sound Blood's annual donor event years in a row for the frequency and volume of her donations.

She also took on Chuck's interest in vintage Oldsmobiles and Honda touring style motorcycles. Together, they enjoyed close friendships and extensive travel with these groups.

With a quiet demeanor and genteel manner, Mary's quick wit and sarcasm caught people off guard at first, but soon became her hallmark. She loved reading for news and pleasure and had vast knowledge of facts and tidbits related to everything from history and poetry to sports and geography. It was not uncommon for her to recite an old adage from time past to apply to a current situation. This combined with self-deprecating humor put everyone at ease. Mary was diagnosed with macular degeneration and in the last few years of her life was technically blind. She rarely complained and bravely persevered, despite the disease taking away many of the hobbies she enjoyed and making daily activities very challenging.

The Finnish term, SISU is one that defies true definition but encompasses the qualities of true grit, determination, tenacity and commitment. It is a deep, quiet form of strength. It is continuing forward when you think you have used up your last reserve. True to Mary's character, she had added this word to her lexicon and in her family, it had special meaning. In the end, she showed her SISU, leaving behind an enduring example of resilience and resolve.

A celebration of life will be held in Mary's honor Saturday, January 31, 11:00am. Location: Advent Lutheran Church 4306 132nd St. S.E. Mill Creek, WA 98012.

Sign Mary's Guest Book found at the Guest Book tab above.