Sylvia Simonson

Sylvia Ardele Simonson, 82, a long time resident of Port Orchard, passed away on Thursday, February 10th, 2011. Sylvia taught at East Port Orchard Elementary School before taking early retirement.  Sylvia Simonson was born on January 10th, 1929 in Garrison, North Dakota to Henry and Alice Baker. Sylvia had a long love of teaching, starting her career in a one room country school house in Snake Creek Township. She attended Minot State College where she was a member of the Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma. Sylvia taught in the Burien school district prior to teaching in the South Kitsap District.  In 1955, Sylvia married Edwin Simonson, also of North Dakota. In 1963, they moved into their dream home in Parkwood where they lived together for 40 years. After Ed suffered a stroke in 2003, Sylvia became a resident of Manor Care in Gig Harbor, where she remained a resident until her death.  Sylvia is survived by her son, Ronald Simonson, and daughter-in-law Jean Simonson (Sederberg), grandchildren Jason & Julie Taylor Simonson, living in Auburn, Washington and Brock & Stefanie Simonson McNeal, who reside in Dallas, Texas.  Sylvia is also survived by sisters Faye Stein, McClusky, ND and Betty Dunagan, Cheyenne, WY; and three brothers, Robert Baker, Midland, MI., Terry, Dallas, TX, and Roger, Rochester, MN. She was preceded in death by her husband, Edwin Simonson, parents Henry and Alice Baker; brother, Darrow Baker and sister Doris Krebsbach.         An informal viewing and gathering time with refreshments will be held at Noon on Friday, February 18, 2011 in Rill’s Life Tribute Center, 1151 Mitchell Avenue in Port Orchard. Family and friends will then proceed by motorcade to a graveside service at 1:30PM at Sunset Lane Cemetery. The service will be officiated by Rev. Steve Carpenter. Friends and neighbors are welcome and invited to participate in either gathering.