Edith Shew Wilson, 98

Edith Shew Wilson died peacefully in her sleep March 6, 2006, at Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell.

She was a longtime resident of Montana, having lived in Kalispell, Billings and Helena most of her life.

She was born May 12, 1907, in Crookston, Minn., to Della and Bert Shew. Later, she was joined by a sister, Elizabeth 'Bess.' Edith attended school in Minnesota and Canada. The family moved to Kalispell to pursue her father's lumber career where he was the manager of the lumber mill at Half Moon. It was there that she graduated as valedictorian from Flathead County High School in 1926.

Subsequently she was awarded a bachelor's degree in home economics from the University of Washington in Seattle. She went on to study dietetics at the University of Chicago and became a registered dietitian. During these studies her father was killed suddenly and she returned to Kalispell to be with her mother and sister.

It was here that she met her husband of 47 years, the Very Rev. Charles A. Wilson Sr. They were married in 1932 in Whitefish. They had three children, Charles Jr., David Shew and Edith Elizabeth 'Betsy.'

Through these years Edith supported her husband in his service to three Episcopal congregations — Christ Church in Kalispell, St. Luke's Church in Billings, and St. Peter's Pro-cathedral in Helena, where Charles was dean for 27 years.

Edith also completed a teaching credential and taught home economics at Helena High School.

Charles and Edith retired to their cabin on Flathead Lake in 1966 and lived there together until Charles' death in 1979. In 1983, Edith returned to Kalispell and continued her participation in Christ Church, and her social and charitable activities.

Edith was active in many of the guilds at the Episcopal Church. She was a member of P.E.O. She was an avid gardener. Edith's major joy was her family and her wide network of friends.

Edith was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Elizabeth; an infant brother; and her husband, Charles.

She is survived by her three children and their spouses, Charles and Emily Wilson, David and Patricia Wilson, and Betsy and Roy Neighbors; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and her niece, Laurie Drummond.

Edith will be dearly missed by her family and many friends.

A celebration of her life will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 25, at Christ Episcopal Church in Kalispell. A reception for family and friends will be afterward.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Christ Episcopal Church in Kalispell.