Edith Tongren Yeager, beloved mother and grandmother, died Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at St. Peter’s Hospital, just short of her 94th birthday.
She was born May 15, 1918, in Helena, Montana, to Frank E. and Emma Olsson Tongren, and grew up in Helena.
Edith was a Helena High “railway car” graduate, following the 1935 earthquake. Her class motto set the tone for her life: “She has an unlimited capacity for work.”
She graduated with honors from the University of Montana in 1940, and served a one-year internship in dietetics at Indiana University Medical Center. Though otherwise self-effacing, she was justifiably proud that the head of the internship program sought her out in Chigago the following year to return as ward dietitian.
She married Donald K. Yeager in Spokane on August 15, 1946. She was widowed in 1956, and raised their only child in Helena, working first at Carroll College, and then for eleven years as head dietitian at St. Peter’s Hospital.
Edith had many interests and talents, produced exquisite needlework of all kinds, grew and propagated African violets, many from seed, and shared her love of music, decorating, baking and gardening.
She is survived by her daughter, Janet Myers of Helena, granddaughter Linnea Fahrnkopf (Daniel) of Port Orchard, Washington, grandson Corbin Myers of Helena, and great-grandchildren Emma and Charlie Fahrnkopf.
Bright, ever-curious, tolerant, giving, gentle, mischievously witty. We miss her greatly, but she has left a legacy of treasured memories.
A private family service will be held Saturday, March 17, 2012 with interment at Forestvale Cemetery. Memorials suggested to the Lewis and Clark Humane Society, PO Box 4455, Helena, MT 59624 or St. John’s Lutheran Church, 1000 Helena Ave., Helena, MT 59601. To offer a condolence or share a memory of Edith, please visit: www.retzfuneralhome.com.
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Jennifer Brunsdon says
My deepest condolences to Janet and her family, on the passing of her dear Mom.
Norman Eck says
My sympathy to you on the loss of your mother. I have fond memories of her and her parents. May you always keep her close in your memories.
Sharon Holmquist-Mercado says
I was so sorry to hear of Edith’s passing. I worked with her at St. Peter’s Hosp. She was always so pleasant and I enjoyed her kindness and visiting with her. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.