Monday, May 19, 2008

Mom


SYLVIA NESKEY-CLARK

August 27, 1917 - May 17, 2008

Mom was born and raised in Alvarado, Minnesota, the eldest daughter of seven children. Her parents were Olaf Lofstrom and Stella Birkness Lofstrom.

Early on, she showed a keen interest and aptitude for music, and began piano lessons at age nine. She often accompanied her family, who sang together every evening. As a young woman, she pursued her studies at North Star College in Minnesota, where she sang in several ensembles.

She moved from Minnesota to Seattle WA during World War II. She worked at Fort Lawton where she met her first husband, my father, Charles Scott. She had two daughters, my sister Beverly Jean, who passed away at an early age, and me. She was widowed in 1971.

A few years later, Mom married long-time family friend, Charles Neskey, who had also been widowed. Together they shared six and a half years of happiness until he passed away. Following Charlie’s death, Mom began composing music, and eventually went to study music composition at Seattle Pacific University. A scholar into her 70s, she was an inspiration to young college students there, and a joy to many professors who became friends.

During her years in Seattle, Mom was an active member of Ballard First Lutheran Church. She faithfully sang in the church choir and directed the cherub (childrens’) choir. She also taught piano lessons privately to many young students. She was a member of the Seattle Music Teachers’ Association and held office in that organization.

In 1994, Mom moved to Mount Vernon WA in order to be closer to family. She joined First Evangelical Lutheran Church, where she sang in the choir. In Mount Vernon, she was also active in Ann Carlson Guild for Childrens’ Hospital in Seattle, and P.E.O. Chapter GB.

In 2001, while living at Mountain Glen Retirement Center, Mom met and married Robert Edwin Clark. They have been devoted to each other, and have been a constant reminder that life is full of surprises.

7 Comments:

Blogger Leigh said...

Yvonne, I'm so sorry to learn about your mother. She sounds like she was a truly amazing person.

4:40 AM  
Blogger Sue said...

So very sorry for your loss.

8:14 AM  
Blogger LavenderSheep said...

I am so sorry to hear about your loss, she sounds like a wonderful person.

9:06 AM  
Blogger Dorothy said...

Yvonne, I'm so sorry. Thank you for sharing your mother's amazing life with us.

7:03 AM  
Blogger Tina T-P said...

What a nice tribute to your mom - it seems the world is much richer because of her. Sorry for your loss. T.

11:50 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

What a lovely tribute to your Mom, Yvonne. Sorry I didn't post this sooner but I was having trouble with my blogger account ID.

Love,
D2

6:45 AM  
Blogger mneskey2001 said...

Yvonne, My name is Myla Neskey. Can you email me at mneskey2001@yahoo.com?

10:40 PM  

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