Elizabeth Anne Ew

Elizabeth Anne (Scott) Drew, May 29, 1935-June 26, 2020

Our Mom recently journaled, “I often marvel at the goodness that surrounds my life…the ease of piloting my course. How I ended up in a place and time of comfort when millions of human beings are suffering untold miseries is incomprehensible. I am so grateful. I will continue to try and help in the small ways open to me and to make strong and meaningful decisions about my life and work in the year to come.”

Elizabeth (Liz) passed away peacefully in her home in Port Orchard, Washington on June 26, 2020 at the age of 85. She was blessed with an enriched life surrounded by family and friends while able to dedicate her time and energies to her passions up until her death. Due to our proximity to each other, all five of her children were able to be at her side within moments of her passing. A beautiful testament to a loving mother who was always at our side when needed.

Elizabeth was born May 29, 1935 in Aberdeen, WA-the oldest of three children of George and Mary Scott. In 1941, her father was deployed to the United States Navy. Elizabeth was 6 at the time and would not see her father again until she was 10. During these years she was formed by love and faith by her beloved mother, Mary and grandmother, Jo. After returning from the war, George and Mary expanded their family to include Mary Cathern. Three years later, Dexter was born, and tragically died at the age of 8. Elizabeth stayed close to her family during these years as she moved on to college.

Because of her devout Catholic faith, Elizabeth chose to attend Marylhurst College located near Portland, Oregon. These times were formative for her, as she quotes in her journal, “I’ve always had a fierce loyalty to Marylhurst and the women I knew there. The whole experience taught me to appreciate and trust women. These were growing years for me and a place that was safe and nurtured me on every level. These women grounded me in the academics and shared their hearts as well.” She transferred to Seattle University to continue her studies. During this time, she was employed by the Maryknoll House where she met her best friend Rose and Rose’s soon to be fiancé/husband, George Dever. This meeting was providential. George and Rose introduced George’s childhood friend, Daniel Drew of Port Orchard to Elizabeth and their journey began.

Dan and Elizabeth were married in Aberdeen, WA on May 24, 1958 and settled into a tiny, waterfront home on Colchester Drive in Port Orchard, WA. They would enjoy many years in this home close to Dan’s family which included, his father, Dan and mother, Agnes and his brother Bob and his wife Shirley. Later, Liz’s sister, Mary Cathern would move to Port Orchard as well. It was here they raised their families.

It was in this house that grew room by room between 1960 and 1968 that Dan and Liz raised their five children: Danna, Pat, Lisa, Erin, and Megan. Our childhood was filled with fun and loving memories. The family was deeply involved with St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church. Both Dan and Liz were active in both church and school leadership roles. The Dever family, with their eight children, owned the cabin next to our home. Summers were filled with many adventures. Mom and Dad had many close friends in the community who they deeply treasured.

Mom and Dad were deeply devoted to one another. Their love for each other was unmatched. They prioritized their couple time while raising five children. She shared in her journal that Dan, after an uncle’s sudden loss of his wife, had the following mantra, “make time for vacation, play with his kids, and teach them so many life skills, have what the kids now call, “date nights” with his wife, and just spend time every night talking and sharing a life together.” They created a legacy and a trove of memories that we continue to honor.

In the summer of 1974, Dan at the age of 45, in a matter of weeks of symptoms, died suddenly of cancer. Our mother quickly adapted to raising her children as a single parent. After a couple of years of working at the church as a bookkeeper and the ASB secretary at South Kitsap High School, Mom went back to school. In a matter of a few short years, she had earned her bachelor’s degree in special education, her master’s degree in education, and certification in both counseling and school administration.

Mom started her educational career at Givens Elementary and John Sedgwick in South Kitsap as a special education teacher. She then served as a counselor at both John Sedgwick and Hawkins Middle School in North Mason School District. She would continue serving North Mason for the next fifteen years. She moved into administration first as Curriculum and Staff Development Director and eventually as principal at Belfair Elementary. After “retiring” in 2000, Mom served in the capacity of Supervisor of Student Teachers at Western Washington University. After this turned into an administrative assignment, she pulled back to her supervisory role. Mom never left education. Most recently, she served on the Board of Directors for Olympic Educational Service District 114 until the day she died.

In addition to her service to education, Mom was an advocate for those who are underrepresented. She was active in several organizations including MWEEP (Maasai Women’s Education and Empowerment Project), St. Leo’s Feeding Program, Kiwanis and Results. She was an active member of St. Leo’s Church in Tacoma where she taught parenting classes and served as a Eucharistic Minister. She was also active in the Democratic Party.

Mom had many other passions. She loved to travel and did so extensively with family and friends. After retirement, she frequently traveled to international destinations including China, Thailand, Africa, Europe, and her favorite, Ireland (7 times). She traveled domestically as well and every summer to the Washington and Oregon coasts. Many late summer trips were taken to Maine and Cape Cod. She loved the view out her front window and deck. She loved to knit and sew. She also enjoyed music and theater. Mostly, she enjoyed the company of others. Mom cherished family time and was always there for every birthday, graduation, marriage, or just Friday night dinner. She was up at any time for a meal with a friend. She kept a constellation of deep and lasting friendships.

Mom’s family grew over time. All five surviving children married and stayed in the area to raise their families. She is survived and preceded in death by: Husband Daniel Drew (predeceased); Daughter Danna (Russ) Hallsted and their children Drew (Megan) Nilson and their sons Kasey and Levi, Sarah (Chris) Trunnell and their daughters Riley and Reagan, and Ryan Nilson; Son Pat (Kari) Drew and their children Shane Drew, Kate (Brian) Pfeffer and their son Lucas, Iean Drew, and Miah Drew; Daughter Lisa (Mark) Roberts and their children Jonathan (Megan) Roberts and Kelsey Roberts; Son John F. Drew (predeceased); Daughter Erin (Scott) Simon and their sons Isaac Simon and Jacob Simon; Daughter Megan (Jerrod) Drew Hainline and their daughter Ani Hainline; Sister Mary Cathern (Russ) Holloway, and sons Adam Miller (predeceased), and Aaron Miller; Brother Dexter “Dex” Scott (predeceased); Brother-In-Law Robert “Bob” Drew (predeceased) and Sister-In-Law Shirley Drew and their children Shannon Drew and her daughter Jocelyn, and Shaun Drew.

Elizabeth Drew (Mom) was an amazing and extraordinary woman who delighted in her life and loves. She was happy. Recently she mused in her journal, “I am, this day, so grateful for all the freedoms my life still encompasses… the ability to move around freely (if sometimes painfully), a great car to go to and fro, the financial resources to have some fun and the opportunities to spend time and frequent moments with my family.” Our Mom never stopped learning, loving, growing and inspiring us and others. We love and miss you, Mom. We want to continue your good work.

Lisa’s Words…
I was with a friend in mid-June and she asked me how I would feel if I were compared with my mother. My friends and I have been having many conversations about our parents as they grow older. I replied that I would be honored. I have the utmost respect, love and admiration for her. I didn’t know that a week later this would be in the past tense. My mother was incredible. She began a dynasty of children, grandchildren and great grandchildren while still engaging with all other family members, friends and colleagues.

As my brother and sisters and I reminisce, we realize that although we all shared the same mother, we were blessed to have different distinct memories and shared experiences. From my perspective I want to share two aspects of Elizabeth Drew as her namesake, our shared love of travel and education.

When I graduated from high school is 1980, I had saved money to go to private school and decided to go to Western Washington University instead. This gave me a nest egg to travel to Europe during the summer after my senior year. My mom, who at that point in her life, had only traveled domestically, was a more than eager partner. It was years later that I reflected on the arrangements she probably had to make for her two daughters still in junior high/high school and her other two attending college. Being devotedly Catholic, we were planning to attend the Passion Plays in Oberammergau. I remember going to the travel agent with the brochure in hand. On the flip page was a several week European Tour starting in Greece, and making a whirlwind tour through Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria, France and England. Well, that was too much to pass up. We embarked on this trip with a week in Ireland with our parish priest on holiday. It was a fabulous vacation! We both learned so much, she remembered way more than my teenage jet-lagged memories.
This started the travel bug for both of us. With many good friends she traveled to many parts of the United States, Africa, Thailand, China and other parts of Europe. Ireland was a favorite. I believe she traveled there seven times with friends and Megan and Jerrod. Her last trip was two years ago with Mark and I, Megan, Jerrod, Ani, her cousin Linda and our friends Al and Karen. She wanted to show us everything she held dear about the place of our ancestors. I feel fortunate she had the opportunity to go and we were able to join in good food, drink, scenery and most importantly music.

I believe mom was always an educator. First as a mom and in Sunday School. Secondly, when she completed Dad’s school board position when he passed away and then as a profession. When our dad died, mom had five children ranging in grades K-8. Although she worked at the church and then as an ASB secretary at South Kitsap High School, she went back to school only a few years after Dad died to get her teaching credential. She completed this and her master’s degree while Danna, Pat and I were graduating and getting our undergraduate degrees. She taught a few years of special education in South Kitsap prior to getting her counseling degree. This is when she started in theNorth Mason School District where I was and still do work.

Mom was so well respected in North Mason. I’ve spent most of my 35-year career being Liz Drew’s daughter or Liz Drew as my mom, I wear that distinction with pride. She moved from counseling to administration after receiving her principal certification. She started at the district office working with Federal Programs and Curriculum/Staff Development. She then spent most of her career as principal of Belfair Elementary. She loved the staff and students, but being a principal brings drama as well. It did not make me want to run and sign up for a principal program. Although I eventually did receive this certification, I have chosen a different administrative path. She is remembered as being a warm demander. She was kind and understanding, but firm as well.

Her career did not end with retirement in 2000. She continued the work she loved for well over a decade. First, she supervised student teachers for Western Washington University until this became another administrative role. At that point she went back to just supervising student teachers. She enjoyed helping bring out the best in educators new to the profession because she knew their importance in student’s success.

Mom’s belief that education was the key to moving past one’s circumstances never diminished. She was involved in many organizations most notably MWEEP (Maasai Women’s Education and Empowerment Program) and Results. Never one to slow down, she was chosen for the Olympic Educational Service District’s Board of Directors where she served until her death.
On a totally different note, I learned something about mom in the last two years. I, who have never been a pet lover, became the owner of a Bichon Frise because of a great lobbying Campaign by Mark. Mom, was always a pet owner. She hadn’t owned a dog in many years. Looking back on her memoir, she was a dog person from early times. It should not have surprised me that she became our dog, Maisie’s best friend (I believe Maisie holds us in the top three). They were so cute to watch together. Their love was unconditional, as was her love for us.

Mom’s body was failing her the last couple of years, but her mind was as sharp as ever. She is a testimony to keeping engaged and connected with your world. She valued her time with family and friends and was always up for a gathering, vacation, or football game. I had the honor of hosting her for dinner every Friday night with my sister Megan and her family and other guests for the last decade or so. She was my sounding board as a wife, mother, sister, educator and friend. She was wise and a good listener. She loved each member of her family as individuals and we all felt she embraced our talents and downplayed our faults. She was the heart of the family but built the capacity in us to cling together and celebrate our commonalities and differences. There is an empty spot where she should be right now. Her courage, love, humor and hope will eventually fill that spot with her loving memory. I miss her.