Geraldine “Gerri” Stenberg, a former resident of Vashon Island and 40-year resident of Olympia, died July 8, 2005. She was 80 years old.

She was born Aug. 21, 1924, in Silverton, Ore., to Peter C. and Marie M. (Britton) Olson.

She graduated from Silverton High School in Silverton and received her bachelor of arts degree in education from Pacific Lutheran College.

She married Roger W. Stenberg on July 21, 1947.

From 1958 to 1974 she taught kindergarten and third grade classes in elementary school on Vashon Island and in Olympia.

Prior to moving to Olympia, she lived in Silverton and Vashon Island. She liked singing, gardening, fishing and baking. She was a member of Pacific Lutheran College Choir and Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Olympia for 40 years.

Survivors include her husband Roger, her daughters Ingrid and her husband Tino Fortunato of Olympia, Linda Stenberg of Olympia, and Kristen and her husband Jim Carr of Ridgefield, Wash., her brothers Rex Olson of Silverton, Ore. and Peter Olson of Black Diamond, Wash., her sister Donna Scearce of Parkland, Wash., and six grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Two brothers, Alvert Olson and Ron Olson, died earlier.

A memorial service was July 14 in Olympia. Memorial donations may be sent to Lutheran World Relief, c/o the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 1601 North Street S.E., Olympia, Wash., 98501.