Obituary of Edna S. Jewell

Edna Swannell Jewell, beloved sister, mother, wife and grandmother, died peacefully of natural causes at age 96. Edna was buried in a private ceremony at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon. Born on March 6, 1923 in Nelson, British Columbia, she was the oldest daughter of George Frederick Swannell and Helen Marguerite Swannell (neé Hellman). Edna is survived by her sister, Beryl Marguerite Curry, her daughter and son-in-law Marguerite and Paul Clithero, and their 3 children. Edna is also survived by her husband, David A. Jewell, and her family by marriage, son and daughter-in-law, David R. and Bertha Jewell, 9 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Edna is also survived by her life-long friend Ernestine Faxon of Palo Alto. At age 18 she and Ernestine boarded an eastbound train and travelled 3,000 miles together to start their secretarial careers in Washington, D.C.. Despite the great personal tragedy of losing her father when she was 7 years old, Edna nourished family relationships with quiet loyalty and an unwavering, dedicated spirit. Women embraced her friendship, because for Edna giving love and support came effortlessly. Edna’s most cherished friends were her sister Beryl Curry, Addie Maslow, Betty Myers, Betty Callander, Sammie Schnetzler, Ernie Faxon and most recently Trudy Johnson. Edna appreciated that she had led a very interesting life, living in exotic places (Eritrea in the 1950’s, Micronesia in the 1960’s) and fabulous cities (San Francisco and Washington, D.C.). She was an elegant woman and her love of opera, ballet and Impressionist art were evident in her home. She could talk a blue streak about tennis as she was an avid fan. Ever a news hound, political and current event conversations were exchanged on a regular basis. Edna will be remembered as a contemplative, honest and intelligent woman. She sometimes expressed herself with a quick, stinging opinion, but she would stand by you unwaveringly when you needed her. She was a poised, polished woman who generously expressed her love for others. She was greatly loved in return and will be missed by many.