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Gwendolyn “Gwen” Elizabeth Josephine Merendino Raudsep

Gwendolyn “Gwen” Elizabeth Josephine Merendino Raudsep, 80, longtime resident of Shoreline, Washington, passed away peacefully in her home with family by her side on January 11, 2019, from lung cancer.

Gwen was born in Baltimore, Maryland on May 5, 1938, to Albert and Phyllis Merendino. She was her daddy’s little girl; they had a special bond and she could do no wrong in his eyes. Gwen loved ballet and tap dancing, and marched as a majorette for City High School. She graduated from Eastern High School in 1956 with a college prep high school diploma and later attended Johns Hopkins.

Gwen met Gil Raudsep at a young adult gathering at the Unitarian Church and married on August 22, 1959; they were married 40 years. In 1963 they moved to Seattle, Washington, and joined the local Mountaineers; Gwen climbed all of the major peaks in Washington except Mount Rainier.

In 1973 she returned to college to fulfill her lifelong dream of earning a college degree. She graduated from the University of Washington in 1975 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Life took her on many adventures, and she loved the opportunity to learn new things - she lived in Germany for six years and traveled all over the US and the world; taught herself to use an Olivetti personal computer; learned to speak both German and Italian; and completed two major house remodels.

Gwen’s career reflected her love of the law and education. She started a co-op preschool and taught parent education classes at Shoreline Community College, and worked as a legal secretary until she retired from Goddard Wetherall Wonder in 2007.

An avid reader, Gwen loved good mystery and crime stories, visiting the library every two weeks to check out another stack of books. Classical KING FM 98.1 was always on in her house, she loved attending the ballet, and enjoyed a good scotch or a very dry martini (no olives, just a twist). By far, her favorite place to be was in her garden, and it was immaculate. She shared this love with her great-grandson, Jackson, who always helped her with weeding, pruning and tending to her beloved roses.

The family of Gwen Raudsep wishes to thank the staff at the Kaiser Permanente Oncology Center and the Hospice Team for their care and support and helping her stay at home. Gwen’s family meant everything to her, and she was grateful for their support in honoring her wishes to the very end.

Gwen is survived by her children, Mike Raudsep (Suzanne Collette), and Katie Waters; grandchildren, Anthony Waters, and Sara Waters (Eddie Jackson); great-grandchildren, Elly, Jackson, and Brantley; sisters, Sue Ashley (Janet), Diane Kunzer (Jim), and Anna Szmajda (Bruce); former spouse Gil Raudsep; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Gwen was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Phyllis Merendino.

At Gwen’s request, there will be no formal services. A celebration of her life will be held on the 81st anniversary of her birth, Sunday, May 5th from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Edmonds Yacht Club.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to Seattle Children’s Hospital, CLASSICAL KING FM 98.1, or LUNGevity.


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