Grace Magdalene Wilson Schmidt died peacefully in her home in Auburn, on April 9, 2017, at the age of 99.

Grace was born in Fargo, North Dakota on November 25, 1917, and grew up on her parent’s farm. She had great stories to tell her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren about her life growing up. Her stories about her summers on the farm with cousin Jen – troublemakers, both – were especially enjoyable! She loved her pony, Flossy.

Grace moved to Seattle in the 1940’s and worked as a meat packer and sausage maker at Cudahy Bar-S, regularly rising long before sunrise. She was a strong supporter of the union and always said, “Don’t ever cross a picket line!” In the 1970s, Grace allowed herself the rare indulgence of a trip to Europe, where she befriended other travelers who later came to visit her, but otherwise occupied herself with work and maintaining an immaculate home, where the shelves were stocked with fruits and vegetables she grew and canned herself, well into her 90’s.

Grace lived the majority of her life in Seattle, on South Beacon Hill, moving to Auburn 25 years ago with her husband, Paul, who preceded her in death. She settled in nicely at Diamond View Estates where she was fortunate to have great neighbors. Grace was an avid gardener of flowers and vegetables, and her tomato plants were legendary. Beans, rhubarb, onions, peppers, peas, zucchini and cucumbers were all abundant in her back yard, a summer oasis for the many vanilla ice cream cones she served up for friends and family.

Grace loved baseball, was famous for being ejected from the stands at one of her son’s Little League games by the umpire (for being too vocal about the strike zone), and in her final weeks of life, engaged her great-grandsons, Jordan and Noah, in conversation about their positions on the field (and school, too). She followed the Mariners and Seahawks, and never forgave the Sonics for leaving Seattle or gave up hope they would return some day. She was an avid card player, especially pinochle.

Grace is survived by her daughters, Phyllis Alverdes and Mary Charles (John), son Marvin Schmierer, step-son Terry Schmidt, 11 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

Private services were held at Mt. View Cemetery in Auburn. Remembrances may be made to Multi Care Hospice, PO Box 5200, Tacoma, Washington 98415.