Aug. 11, 1908 - March 14, 2008

Berdeen E. Williamson, a resident of Oregon for 72 years, died March 14 in Wilsonville.

She was born Aug. 11, 1908, to Frank V. and Ethel R. Beals in College Springs, Iowa. She lived in Iowa until her graduation from high school.

She attended Kearney State Teachers College and Hastings College, both in Nebraska, graduating from the latter in 1933. While pursuing her bachelor's degree, she took time off to teach two years in a Kansas elementary school near the home of her parents. She also taught in Gibbon and Farman high schools in Nebraska. Her major fields of interest were home economics, social science and music.

While teaching in Farman, she met Stanley Williamson, whom she married on June 2, 1935. In 1936, the couple moved to Eugene, where Mr. Williamson was employed as a science teacher in the University of Oregon Laboratory High School. Mrs. Williamson was active in the community, university and Methodist church programs. She was a charter member of the Methodist Women's Society, a member of the faculty wives of the University of Oregon, and a member of the Association of University Women.

In 1946, the family moved to Corvallis, where she again participated in the activities of the Women's Society of the Methodist church. She also acted as a wedding hostess, Sunday-school teacher and member of numerous committees. She was a member of Chapter B.P. of P.E.O., and faculty wives. She was active and supporting to her children in Camp Fire and Scouting and spent many hours working in the OSU Thrift Shop. She worked part-time in the OSU Bookstore for 15 years.

Mrs. Williamson dedicated her life and free hours to helping other people. She always found time to lend a helping hand to someone in need wherever and whenever possible - all without neglect of her family.

She is survived by two sons, Brian of Portland and Richard of Oakland, Calif.; a daughter, Lucinda Zenor, of Beaverton; and five grandchildren: Casey, Brett, Kelly and Brooke Williamson, and Kelby Zenor.

Memorial gifts may be sent to the First United Methodist Church, Wilsonville.