Belma Lois Surface Engstrom died Dec. 7, 2009 in Fir Lane Rehab Center in Shelton.

She was born March 14, 1916 in La Conner. Her parents had lived on Whidbey Island from 1907.

She came back to the island when she was a junior in high school, and many of her long-time friends are here.

She met Arnold Engstrom at that time, and they were married Dec. 5, 1935.

Arnold preceded her in death in 1990.

She leaves her daughter, Marlene Meyer, at the family home at Deer Lake; Mary Taffera in Shelton; Thomas Engstrom in Wasilla, Alaska; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren and even a great-great-grandchild. She had a long and interesting life, and could remember well to the end.

There will be no services at this time. Perhaps on Memorial Day the family will have a memory party for her at Deer Lake.