L. Irene Serfling

June 17, 1939 - April 16, 2011

This is written with sadness in my heart and yet relief in my mind that Saturday night (April 16, 2011) at 10:10 pm my Mom, L. Irene Serfling, passed peacefully into heaven in her sleep. After her very valiant battles with Lupus for over 45 years, off-and-on blindness, diabetes, broken back, nearly complete hearing loss, glaucoma, cataracts, osteoporosis, heart attacks and few near death experiences she is finally at peace in a better place. My brother Phil and I were with her at the time she passed and our sister Trina saw her just hours before. She and her family had a nice conversation with her. Phil and his family had time with her as well. My Dad was with her just before she was taken to the hospital. He is in a rehab facility recovering from back surgery and Mom spent the last six days in the same room with him where they received excellent care together.

I can tell you that I have never seen a stronger woman fight like she has and survive as long as she has against such odds. I'm also very proud to be the son of the man who not only stood by, laid by, cried with, stooped over, picked up the pieces after, cared for, supported and loved my Mom through 50 years, 3 months and 16 days more than my Dad John L. Serfling. He was Mom's support all those years and her sole caregiver the last seven to eight years.

Our parents were able to do all this while being members of the PTA and church, Leaders in Boy & Girl Scouts and more not to mention raising us three kids and at times helping with Mom's sisters and brother. I should also mention Puppies, Dogs, Cats, Gerbils, Fishes and a Rabbit. Mom planned and organized vacations including our big trip to California including Disney Land, Knott's Berry Farm, Universal Studios, San Francisco and the unplanned highlight of the trip was a stop we made where we climbed on boulders and hand fed squirrels.

I also remember when we were young Mom made some of our clothes and drove us places like Dairy Queen. She was always home after school and when we needed her or when we got into trouble. She always supported us and stood up for us when we needed it.

We are planning two Celebrations of Life for Mom. The first is to be at The Rockin' Horse Dance Barn in Renton, WA Tuesday, April 26, 2011, at 1:00 pm. This is for all our family and friends. We would be honored if you can come. The second Celebration will be in a month or two at Grace Church in southern West Seattle on a Saturday giving my Dad time to heal from his surgery.

If you would like to contact me or have me relay a message to my family you can email me.

Dave Serfling
4/19/2011