Mary Strize “Marija” Somers, age 85, died Aug. 10.

She was born in West Virginia. Her family returned to the Dalmatian Coast in Yugoslavia when she was 3 years old, where she lived until escaping to Italy during World War II.

She eventually made her way back to the United States in her 20s where she met her husband, John Somers, Jr., an architect. They settled in Salisbury, Md. and raised six children.

She enjoyed travel, which was made easier by her command of five languages, painting and entertaining with her family and friends. She greatly enjoyed reading, especially historical biographies, and discussing political issues and current events.

She held a strong commitment to ethics, manners and helping those most in need, and was known for her warm, adventurous and humorous spirit.

She and John moved to Seattle to be close to two of her children and grandchildren. She lived with her daughters on Bainbridge Island and Mercer Island in her later years.

She succumbed to congestive heart failure after a long battle.

She is survived by her children, Steve Somers (Linda), Mike Somers, Sue Somers Bell, Vali Somers (Scott Bowen), and Vesna Somers (Rick Flamm); and grandchildren, Courtney Somers, Tracy Somers Robinson, John Bell, Colin Bowen, Adam Bowen, David Flamm and Reid Flamm.

Her son, Jeff Somers, preceded her in death.

A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Aug. 27 at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Salisbury, Md., with a reception following.

Remembrances may be made to the University of Washington Medical Center. The family expressed gratitude to Dr. Wayne Levy, her cardiologist, for support and encouragement throughout the years under his care.