Elsa E. Lentz, 93, floral designer for Pioneer Florist for many years, died at Westhaven Villa, Aberdeen, Thursday evening September 4, 2014. She was born in Red Lodge, MT on January 24, 1921, the daughter of John and Elsa (Lindberg) Haavisto, and came with her family to Ilwaco in 1932.
She graduated from Ilwaco High School in 1939. After high school she came to Aberdeen and was a domestic housekeeper for the Brennan and the Bishop families. Elsa married Robert A. Lentz in Aberdeen August 10, 1940.
Elsa joined the family business, Pioneer Florist on West Wishkah Street in 1945, as a floral designer, and would work there until her retirement in 1980. Robert Lentz died following an auto accident in Aberdeen on August 12, 1987.
She was a member of the United Finnish Kaleva Brothers and Sisters, No. 9, Aberdeen and had hosted the Finnish annual picnic at her home for many years. She was also a member of the Aberdeen Eagles Auxiliary. She liked gardening, acrylic painting, clam digging, hiking and camping as well as the many Sunday family gatherings at her home which usually included many of their friends.
Elsa is survived by two daughters: Robin (Arne) Wilppone, Aberdeen and Suzie Zimmerli, Reno, NV; and also 4 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, 5 great great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Elsa was the youngest of several children and was the last to survive.
A graveside service will be held at 2 PM Saturday, September 13th, in Fern Hill Cemetery,
Aberdeen. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.
The family suggests memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Puget Sound Chapter, 120 Northgate Plaza, Suite 316, Seattle, WA 98125, or your favorite charity.
A message of condolence with a memory or a message may be sent to the family at www.fernhillfuneral.com
Arrangements are entrusted to Fern Hill Funeral Home, 2208 Roosevelt St., Aberdeen.