Ada Hallberg will be remembered September 16th at Alki UCC, where, as her family says in this remembrance announcing her death, she was a lifelong member:

“There is a joy in holding close to our inheritance, but even a greater pleasure in continuing the feelings of community” – Ada Hallberg

Ada Hallberg, Alki girl, loving wife, wonderful mother and tireless grassroots activist died peacefully on June 22, 2012 at the age of 87, three and a half months after the passing of her husband, Robert.

Born in Seattle, Washington on August 6, 1924 to Grace and John Woodhouse, Ada was raised at Alki Beach with her two siblings, Neal and Nancy, attended Alki Elementary, James Madison and West Seattle High School. She graduated from the UW where she was a member of Sigma Kappa. She was a lifetime member of Alki Church since 1941 and this is where she met Bob. Together they built a life of love, laughter, family, and commitment to their heritage.

Inspired by her love for the neighborhood where she was raised, Ada gathered stories about the area and the people; “The combination of these places on the land and in the woods beside the bay was vital to our lives …. Most of us who went to Alki School were firmly grounded … when we grew up and left Alki, we knew who we were, where we belonged and where we wanted to return.”

Ada was a founding member of the Southwest Seattle Historical Society, a natural home for one who valued the long-timers and fought to preserve the soul of an earlier Alki. Some of her stories can be found at the Log House Museum, Alki Spuds, Weatherwatch Park and in her book, “Elvida, Daughter of Harbor Avenue”.

A lifelong activist for social justice, Ada is remembered as a leader who saw the good in people. She believed in acting on her values and worked for civil rights and peace and was a founding member of Alki Neighbors for Peace. Friends and family who visited were always met with open arms, a cup of tea, the latest petition to sign and brochures to deliver. Marching each Sunday with the West Seattle Neighbors for Peace at the Alaska Junction was the last activity that she reluctantly gave up. A staunch Democrat, Ada jokingly instructed the family to keep her going as long as a Democrat was in the White House.

Her friends and her fans were of all ages and persuasions; she was a deeply good person who looked for the best in everyone she met. Her ability to relate to each person as an individual and her joy for the simple things in life made her a “mom” to many. We will miss you, Ada; you were gorgeous inside and out and this world is a better place because of you.

Ada is survived by her sister Nancy (Louis) Frohning, children: Robert, Nancy (Peter Junkerman), Tia (Robert Gagner), Alyson (Mike Langen) and seven grandchildren: Sayre, Nerissa, Eliza (Blake Webb), Eric, Per, Keitaro and John. Her husband Robert and son Per William preceded her in death.

A memorial service will be held at Alki UCC, 6115 SW Hinds St, Seattle, 98116 on September 16 at 2 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to some of Ada’s favorite organizations: The Log House Museum, 3003 61st Avenue SW, Seattle, WA 98116; or the Fellowship of Reconciliation, Seattle chapter.

(WSB publishes obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)