Amy Jacquelyn Thorleifson

Amy Jacquelyn (Brown) Thorleifson, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 22, 2025, at the age of 95.

Born on August 31, 1930, in Kalispell, Montana, Amy lived a life marked by grace, kindness, and quiet strength. She grew up with a deep appreciation for family, community, and the simple joys of life. Those who knew her will remember her generous spirit, work ethic, and the way she made everyone feel at home in her presence.

Amy met the love of her life, Phill Thorleifson, at Pacific Lutheran College (now University) and together they built a life centered around family, laughter, and hard work. She was a devoted mother to Sherri (Thorleifson) Parsons and Tracy Thorleifson, and dearly loved her four grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, and two grand-dogs. Amy is preceded in death by her husband, Phill and her brother Donald R. Brown. She is survived by her sister Carol Roberts, her daughters Sherri and Tracy, and many extended family members and dear friends, all who will miss her deeply.

A lifelong learner and energetic volunteer, Amy graduated from Kapowsin High School and lived at home while attending Pacific Lutheran College. After marrying Phill, she earned her Master’s Degree from Western Washington University. Amy worked in the Shoreline and Edmonds and Bellevue school districts as an elementary school teacher, reading specialist, and principal. After retiring from the Bellevue School District, she returned to community college and studied to become a travel agent. She worked as a travel agent in Bothell for many years before retiring a second time. Following her retirement, she volunteered at the Edmonds Library, the Edmonds Historical Museum, and the Edmonds Senior Center.

Amy found beauty in everyday things—shopping (particularly at thrift stores), reading (especially murder mysteries), baking, attending Village Theatre, visiting craft and art fairs, and spending time with those she loved most. She loved to see new places and with Phill, as well as various friends and relatives, she had many adventures traveling. Amy was a huge Seattle Mariners baseball fan and also enjoyed following ice skating. With her daughters she attended the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics to watch the skating and twice attended the ice-skating world championships.

A staunch Lutheran, Amy attended Edmonds Lutheran Church, where she strongly supported its Housing Hope project. Previously, she was a congregant at Bethlehem Lutheran church in Marysville and Trinity Lutheran Church in Lynnwood. She was also a supporter of public television (Cascade PBS) and public radio (KUOW), as well as the Salvation Army. 

Her faith, resilience, and compassion touched countless lives, leaving a legacy that will endure for generations. Her light will continue to shine in the hearts of all who loved her.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her memory to the Salvation Army.