Esther June Louise Lampi

Esther June Louise Lampi, 88, a lifetime resident of Clatsop County, passed away peacefully in her sleep surrounded by her family on July 28, 2016, in Astoria, Oregon.

Esther was born in Astoria, Oregon, on June 5, 1928, to Emil and Maria (Oja) Simonson. She was one of 12 children and was raised on the family farm in Olney. She attended Olney Elementary School and graduated from Astoria High School in 1946. She also attended Finlandia University (Suomi College) in Hancock, Michigan.

She married Kenneth Eddie Lampi on Jan. 13, 1951, at Peace Lutheran Church in Astoria. They built a house in Youngs River, where they raised three children and lived for over 60 years before moving to senior living facilities in recent years.

Before marriage, Esther worked several years at the Astoria Clinic. In later years, she worked as deputy clerk for the Lewis and Clark School District, retiring in 1987.

Esther was a loving and dedicated wife and mother. She enjoyed her large extended family and was especially close to her grandchildren. Esther also loved sewing and quilting, gardening, baking, bird watching from the kitchen window and sharing fishing trips with her husband.

Esther was a longtime member of Peace Lutheran Church. A breast cancer survivor, she volunteered for many years with the American Cancer Society Reach for Recovery program. Esther was also a member of Alpha Iota Sorority.

She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Kenneth Lampi; son Eugene and his wife, Yomaira, of Portland; daughter June and her husband, Bruce Day, of Springfield; six grandchildren, Clara, Benjamin (Melissa), Marsha, Jacob, Ryan (Jordanne) and Alex; one-great grandchild, Scarlette; two step-grandchildren, Staci and Stephani; and one step-great-grandchild, Parker. She is also survived by a brother, Hugo (Paula) Simonson and a sister, Hilma Backman.

She was preceded in death by her son, Donald, in 2001.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, Aug. 20, 2016, at 1 p.m. at Peace Lutheran Church in Astoria, with a reception following.

A private interment will be at Greenwood Cemetery in Astoria.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the American Cancer Society, Peace Lutheran Church or a charity of your choice.