Luella E. Martinson-Tilson, 90

Luella E. Martinson-Tilson, 90, of Coeur d'Alene, passed away quietly in her sleep on Thursday, May 5, 2011.

Lu was born in Ford, Wash. (on the Spokane Indian Reservation) on Jan. 16, 1921, to William and Sophie O'Conner. Lu graduated from North Central High School in Spokane. She spent the war years working in a shipyard in San Pedro, Calif., and in an envelope factory in San Francisco. After the war, she met Howard Martinson in Spokane, and they were married 10 days later. Lu and Howard had two boys, Howard Jr. and Chris. One of the highlights of her life was in 1963. The family spent the summer just outside New York City and several months in Southampton, England. In London, Lu had tea with the Queen Mother.

Years later, Lu re-connected with an old childhood friend, Albert (Pat) Tilson and they married. Lu and Pat spent many good years together. After Pat retired, they toured the United States in a motor home. Then they spent summers at Priest Lake, spring and fall on the farm near Deer Park and winters in Yuma, Ariz. In 2008, Lu and Pat moved to Coeur d'Alene to be closer to family.

Lu is survived by her beloved husband, Pat of Coeur d'Alene; sons Howard and wife Teresa Martinson of Coeur d'Alene; son Chris Martinson of Kennewick, Wash.; grandchildren Amy Cross, Peter (Katie) Martinson, Michelle Brown, Christopher (Mary) Brown and five great-grandchildren.

Lu was preceded in death by her parents and sisters, Cora, Ida, Lillie and Virgie.

The family thanks the wonderful staffs at Beehive Homes and Hospice of North Idaho.

A memorial service will be held at noon Saturday, May 14, 2011, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 625 E. Haycraft, Coeur d'Alene. Lunch will follow at the church. A committal service will be held later that afternoon at Fairmount Memorial Park in Spokane. Neptune Society, Spokane, was entrusted with the final arrangements.