Edith Louise Massey

Edith Louise Massey, 100 years old, died January 30, 2018 at Booker Rest Home, Dayton, Washington.

Edith was born December 5, 1917 in Chicago, Illinois to Pauline and Edward Seidel. When she was three years of age the family moved to the Los Angeles, California area. She grew up in Tujunga and Glendale, California. Edith was the middle of 9 children. She graduated from Fairfax High School.

During the depression her father left the family. At 14 she and her sister, Winnie, worked as live in nannies for other families and contributed their wages to the care of her siblings still at home.

On January 28, 1938 she married Clarence B. Massey. They were happily married for 58 years until his death in 1996. They lived most of their married life in Burbank, CA. until moving to Dayton, WA. to be near their daughter. The couple had two children – Bob and Carol Jean.

When the children were young they would tent camp in the High Sierras each June. Edith often managed the tent camping by herself while her husband hiked into remote fishing lakes. It was a special time for the family.

Summers were often spent driving her children to the beach or family member's swimming pools. Edith did not know how to swim, but was willing to let her children enjoy the water.

Edith worked at Burbank, CA. School System as a cafeteria manager.

She was devoted to her family. She enjoyed tending to her family and visiting with her siblings. Edith was an outgoing happy person who had a ready smile and a giggle for everyone. She liked talking to people.

Her hobbies included cooking and sewing, plus being present at whatever activity her husband was doing.

In 1966 Edith was in a car accident that left her with a damaged leg and a brace for the rest of her life. She continued to work at her job and do her normal activities once she recovered.

In retirement she and Clarence enjoyed traveling in their camper. They especially enjoyed trips to Alaska. She was often a model for his photojournalism articles. She made the sour dough bread and he took pictures of her serving the bread for his magazine articles.

After their RV travels they settled in Terra Bell, CA, where Clarence grew vegetables and roses. Edith enjoyed selling the vegetables at local Farmer's Markets. She enjoyed baking and often made cinnamon rolls or cookies to share with others. She liked inviting company for homemade dinners.

She is predeceased by her husband, Clarence; son Bob Massey, PhD (Trinidad); grandson Rob Anderson, formerly of Dayton, and her siblings, Walter Seidel, Paul Seidel, Winnie Fonda, Helen Seidel, John Seidel and Ed Seidel.

Survivors include her daughter, Carol Anderson (Dariel/Andy) of Dayton, WA; five grandchildren; Jennifer Wolf (John), Garth Massey (Katie), Tabitha Brown (Ariel), Heather Gum, and David Massey. She has 16 great-grandchildren. Her siblings Shirley Lalibete and Richard Seidel also survive her. She has many nieces and nephews who had close bonds to their Aunt Edith.

There will be a graveside burial service at Dayton City Cemetery on Wednesday, February 7, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. with Reverend Marj Johnston of the Dayton First Congregational Church officiating. Hubbard-Rogg Funeral Home of Dayton is caring for the family.