Elinor Jensina Downing, a longtime resident of Freeland, passed away June 30, 2007 in Kent at the age of 97.

Elinor was born April 22, 1910 in Winger, Minn. Elinor and her husband Jack Downing, who preceded her in death, retired to Freeland in the late 1960s.

Elinor started teaching in Minnesota while still in her teens. At the age of 20 she traveled to Fairbanks, Alaska to attend the University of Alaska.

After graduation she accepted a teaching offer in the fishing village of Cordova, Alaska. While in Cordova she met her future husband Jack Downing.

Elinor was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church of Freeland.

Elinor is survived by three daughters, Patricia Johnson (Orlin), Evelyn Szatkowski (Carl) and Shirley Roberts; seven grandchildren, four great-grand children and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial has been set up in Elinor’s name at the World Association for Children and Parents, 315 S. Second St., Renton, WA 98055. WACAP is an adoption agency that was founded in 1976 serving children and families through adoption. Your donation to WACAP will help offset adoption fees for children needing a home.