Obituaries

Flora Bertha Birkelund, age 75, of Seattle, Washington, passed peacefully into heaven on Monday, April 6, 2020 with her loved ones there by her side and in spirit. Flora was born in Wagram, N.C. on July 6, 1944. She was raised in Pinehurst, N.C. and in 1969, Flora moved across the country to Seattle, Washington. In Seattle, Flora held many jobs in different industries, but settled on aerospace, working at the Boeing Co. in Everett, Washington for the last 20 years of her career, before retiring in 2004. Flora was a giant Seattle Seahawks fan and enjoyed watching baseball over the spring and summer. She enjoyed spending time with her family and remained close to her friends and distant family members online.

Flora made it a priority in life to provide a better future for her children and grandchildren, often enduring sacrifice to ensure her family’s health, safety, and wellbeing. Flora never put herself before others; she was always giving, and making sure everyone was taken care of before herself. She was loving of everyone and always wanted happiness for others, no matter what. Flora was strong, devoted, courageous, and had a love for God that was evident in her life. Flora had an infectious sense of humor and a talent for sharing stories from her past. This attracted many friends to Flora; building friendships that would last a lifetime. Her online friendships were as important to her as her in person relationships, and those relationships helped her stay connected through the years. Flora’s smile and laughter was contagious and made anyone’s day brighter.

Perhaps the biggest loves of Flora’s life, to whom she dedicated her heart and soul to, were her grandson Jacob Paul Franco, and her “heart dog” Tink. There was no greater bond than the bond Flora shared with them, and it was beautiful to witness that unconditional love between them.

Flora was predeceased by her mama, Bertha S. Buchanan, her son, Randy Dean Edmonds, her “heart dog” Tink and her daddy.

Flora is survived by her daughter, Brennon Joann Miller, her son, Rodney Gray Edmonds, her son, Kristian Johan Birkelund, her grandchildren; Jacob Franco, Blake DeLong, Kristie Edmonds, Haley Edmonds, Christian Edmonds, and her 10 great-grandchildren in addition to a number of siblings, cousins, and chosen family members.

Flora Bertha will be greatly missed by everyone and her memory shall remain in the hearts of those touched by her life forever. May Flora rest in heaven and watch over her family and friends until we meet again. We love you Mama and Grandma and we thank you for the many gifts you have left within us, as they will comfort and guide us when we reach for you.

Per Flora’s request, no public or private service will be performed. Her family requests in lieu of flowers, donations are made, in Flora’s name and honor, to either of the following organizations:
Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation – https://seattleanimalshelterfoundation.org/
American Lung Association – https://www.lung.org/get-involved/ways-to-give