Mathilda Poland was born on a farm outside of Eureka on June 15, 1916, into a large family. She attended a one-room school and spoke German as her first language. As a young adult, she moved to Montana for several years and then on to Ellensburg, Wash., where she met and married her husband, Chester Poland. Mathilda attended a florist school in Portland and opened and operated her own shop in Ellensburg. Upon retirement, she and her husband moved to Yakima, Wash. Chester passed away in 1994.
In 2005, Mathilda moved to Portland, where she was close to her niece. She lived independently in a retirement home until 1 weeks before her death. She was strong in spirit until the end and expressed openly that it was her time to go.
All of her siblings preceded her in death except one sister, Ruth Kappas of Eureka.
She is survived by nieces, nephews and many more extended family and friends.
Per Mathilda's wishes no services will be held.
She will be laid to rest with her husband in Yakima, Wash.