Elaine Somers, of Monroe who served as Snohomish County’s first lady since 2016, died Oct. 25 at age 73.
Somers was a career environmental professional whose work at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Pacific Northwest Region 10 shaped how infrastructure projects account for wildlife and habitat. She joined the agency in 1983 after earning a bachelor’s degree in botany and a master’s in forest resources management from the University of Washington, with a focus on natural ecosystems, wildlife and conservation biology. Over more than three decades she reviewed major projects under the National Environmental Policy Act, pushed for earlier integration of environmental factors into transportation planning, and served as the region’s beneficial landscaping coordinator, advocating practices that protect habitats, wildlife and water resources.
One lasting mark of that work is the wildlife crossing near Snoqualmie Pass, where animals now safely traverse the interstate. Colleagues and county officials described her as an advocate who combined technical expertise with a deep personal commitment to the natural world. She co-authored a conference paper on environmental review and transportation planning, participated in interagency studies and delivered numerous presentations to planners and regulators.
Born July 12, 1953, in St. Louis, she spent early years in Davenport, Iowa, before her family moved to Medina in 1965. She graduated from Bellevue High School and later from the University of Washington. It was there, in 1973, that she met the love of her life and future husband while both played in the Husky Marching Band — she on piccolo, he on tuba. They married in 1981.
Dave Somers, known to many as “Napa,” became Snohomish County executive in 2016; Elaine served as first lady through his terms, balancing public life with private interests that included music, the outdoors and animals.
Elaine sang for years with the Sacred Heart Church Choir in Bellevue and later with the Choir of the Sound, and she was active in musical programs at St. Mary of the Valley Catholic Church in Monroe. In August she received a certificate recognizing her long service providing music for Mass. She and her husband Dave also shared a commitment to animal rescue, caring for horses and dogs at their Monroe home. Friends and county leaders recalled her as warm, strong and protective of both people and the natural world.
On Oct. 21, the Snohomish County Council and Deputy Executive Kent Patton signed Joint Resolution 26-050, formally recognizing her professional achievements and community contributions and encouraging residents to honor her service. The council also acted to name the Elaine Somers Viewpoint within Bob Heirman Wildlife Park. Somers and Heirman had been friends; both devoted their efforts to environmental causes whose effects will outlast them. The park feature will serve as a lasting public acknowledgment of her work and of her long residence in the Monroe area.
A funeral was held Nov. 3. In a message shared after her death, Dave Somers wrote that he hoped she was “hiking beautiful mountain meadows with all our buddies we have had over the years.” The county has invited messages of remembrance, which will be compiled into a memorial book for the family. Those who wish to contribute may email Contact.Executive@snoco.org.
Somers is survived by her husband; her mother, Mary Ann Youch; and brothers Glenn, Ken and Ed Youch and their families.
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
