KINGSTON — Mary “Louise” Soderberg Lien died May 2 at the home of her dear friends Joe and Janet Alecci, surrounded by close friends and family following a courageous battle with cancer.

She was born on “1/2/34” in Kingston to J. Elmer and G. Pearl Soderberg, and spent the first five years of her life there before moving to Anacortes and West Seattle. Her family returned to Kingston when she was 10.

She graduated from North Kitsap High School in 1951 and worked briefly in Seattle before her marriage to the Ernest Lien. They lived in Seattle several years before moving to Edmonds. She worked as a secretary for the Edmonds School District. They lived in Edmonds for almost 20 years before moving back to Kingston where she resided for the last 35 years.

Louise loved nature, wildlife and political discussion; was a strong environmentalist and an avid reader; and loved music and was an accomplished pianist. She was a member of the music group The JEMS for more than 20 years.

She is survived by her children, Gary Lien (Peggy) of Mount Vernon, and Teresa Lien-Gieschen (Dr. Holger Gieschen) of Germantown, Tenn.; sister, Judy Odell of Kingston; grandchildren, Kelli Altmyer (Quent), Dr. Casey Lien (Lara), Ben Gieschen and Tyler Gieschen; three great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and many wonderful friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, John Soderberg; her husband of 59 years, Ernie; and her grandson, Kristian Gieschen.

A celebration of Louise’s life is scheduled Aug. 3, 1 p.m., at the Kingston Cove Yacht Club. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Hospice of Kitsap County, www.hospicekc.org. P.O. Box 3416, Silverdale, WA 98383.

— Family of Mary “Louise” Soderberg Lien