Alice Mae (Costello) Aboen was born in Winesap, Washington, to Harry and Hortense Costello. She and her two brothers grew up in Redmond, Washington, on a small farm. She attended school in Redmond, graduating in 1944 as class salutatorian. After working in a local bank for a year, she decided she wanted more out of life and ventured to the Palouse to attend Washington State University. Her years there turned her into a diehard Cougar fan.
After graduating, Alice moved to Toledo, Washington, and started teaching business courses at Toledo High School. She met Erland Aboen at a dance and they were married in 1951. She loved teaching and continued at THS until her second child was born. After her fourth child, the Sisters at St. Mary's Academy made her an offer she couldn't refuse. They provided on-site day care for her younger children so she could continue to teach. She continued teaching at St. Mary's until the school closed. After a year of substitute teaching, she worked as the business manager at Toledo School District until retiring in 1988.
Alice enjoyed quilting, knitting, gardening and following the Cougars, Mariners and Seahawks. She spent many, many hours watching her grandchildren's sporting events. She and Erland traveled with their children and grandchildren, creating wonderful memories. They visited Mexico and Hawaii several times, and she also visited Hong Kong.
Alice was a parishioner at St. Francis Mission for 75 years. She was a member of St. Jude's Circle, taught CCD and was on the parish Finance Committee. She was a 4-H leader, and in her later years was a member of Toledo Historic Society and enjoyed the Toledo Senior Center.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Erland, her parents and brothers Gerald and Walter.
She is survived by her children, Sharon Layton (Tom), Barb Aboen (Svein), Pat Wamre (Bob), and Ed Aboen (Leinanei); 11 grandchildren, Brian Layton (Sarah), Beth Jochim (Brian), Amy Hite (Ryan), Stephanie Morgan (Wesley), Nick Benfield (Sophie), Matt Benfield (Sharen), Jess Wamre, Marcie Larson (Christian), Janelle Ormond (Matthew), Leah Cook (Jake), and Andy Aboen (Kaila); and 18 great-grandchildren.
The family would like to thank PeaceHealth Richard Nau Hospice and Angel's View Adult Family Home for their excellent and compassionate care.
A funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Francis Mission Toledo, Friday, Sept. 20, at 11 a.m., with lunch to follow in the parish hall.
In lieu of flowers please donate to the St. Francis Hall Repair Fund or charity of your choice.
