Mardette D. DeGarmo Flodin
Mardette Flodin, 83, passed away in Bellevue, WA. on Sunday, August 4th, 2013.
Mardette was born to Gerald and Marjorie DeGarmo on March 31st, 1930 in Seattle. She grew up in the Madison Park neighborhood and attended McGilvra Elementary and Garfield High School. After high school, Mardette attended the University of Washington, where she was active in the Alpha Phi Sorority. She graduated from the University of Washington in 1951 with a degree in Interior Design.
While visiting friends on Bainbridge Island with her family, Mardette met the love of her life, Roger Flodin. Mardette and Roger married on August 25th, 1950. They spent a few years in Spokane and eventually moved to Bellevue, where they raised their three children: Leslye, Kerry and Doug.
Mardette modeled for the Beverly Brooks Studio, doing runway shows for Best Apparel, now known as Nordstrom. She was a founding member of the Bellevue Art Museum and was also co-chairman of the 1983 Bellevue Arts & Crafts Fair. She put in countless hours organizing the beginning years of the fair along with the help of her husband and children. Mardette belonged to the Retarded Childrens Guild, Bellevue Plant Club, Killarney Circle Bridge Club and spent some of her free time bowling in a “Ladies League” at Belle Lanes.
Mardette and Roger spent their early years of retirement traveling to Europe, visiting countries such as Germany, France, Italy, Turkey and Spain, while exploring many art museums, a passion that they shared. One of their favorite places was Maui, Hawaii, where they enjoyed the “Aloha Spirit,” spending time with friends, playing tennis and soaking up the sun. They continued their love of the sun by spending summers at their Tulalip Shores Beach home that they built together as a family.
Mardette is survived by her husband, Roger; her daughter, Leslye Lewis; her son, Kerry and his wife Kathy; her son, Doug and his wife Suzanne; her granddaughter, Whitney Ford and her husband Jordan; grandsons Spencer, Neil and Riley; and great-granddaughter Reese Ford.
We Love You, Mardette, Mom, Grammy! Per Mardette’s wishes, a private family service will be held.
