Edith S. Bloomingdale; Retired Teacher

Edith Swan Bloomingdale of Ojai, a retired teacher, died Monday in an Ojai care center after a long illness. She was 92.

One of nine children, Bloomingdale was born March 23, 1904, in Del Rey in California’s Central Valley. She majored in music at Fresno State University and taught music for the Alhambra School District, said her longtime neighbor, 80-year-old Larry Border of Ojai.

“Up to the time of her death, Edith was getting cards and flowers from former students,” Border said. “She really loved music, and kept track of her former students for a long time.”

Bloomingdale retired to Ojai in 1968 with her husband, Walter, who was retired from the Navy.

Bloomingdale was a member of the Ojai Presbyterian Church, where she had been a deacon, and had been a volunteer at Little House Senior Center of Ojai. She played piano and had a wonderful sense of humor, Border said.

Bloomingdale was preceded in death by her husband in 1971, and her nephew, Willis Crosby, in 1995.

She is survived by nieces Eleanor Gumber of Sanger, Calif., Evelyn Challinor of Fresno and Kathryn Crosby of Selma, Calif.; and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.

Private family services will be held at a later date. Inurnment will be at Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Ojai Presbyterian Church music organ fund or the youth ministry fund.

Arrangements are under the direction of Clausen Funeral Home, Ojai.