Passing….

It was sad to hear about Mrs. Larson passing away. This weekend, grave side services will be held Saturday June 19th, at 1:00pm, at the San Juan Valley Cemetery. Friends and family are welcome to join us for a potluck at the American Legion, which will be immediately following the graveside service.…here’s more, from Elizabeth Schubert:

Lorraine Betty Wills Lowe Larson: Lorraine passed away at her home, with family around her, June 13th, 2010.

Born on San Juan Island November 17th, 1923, she was the oldest daughter of Rod & Hazel Wills. Hazel, her mom, came to town in a horse drawn buckboard to visit the midwife, Ella Dightman.  She lived nearly her entire life on the island.  Her grandfather was stationed at English Camp during the Pig War.  Yes, she was an Islander.

If Mom wasn’t working, you could find her playing cribbage (a favorite past time), gardening (her dahlias were a personal favorite) or spending time enjoying friends and family at the beach.  If you were having a party or potluck and she knew about it, she would be in her kitchen baking or cooking something for you to eat.  She was an active member in the American Legion Auxiliary for 65 years, holding many positions including President.

She met Albert Russell “Bud” Lowe, here on San Juan Island.  Bud was stationed here during World War II with the Army Air Corps.  They were married November 14, 1943.  Together they had four children.  Bud preceded her in death November 28, 1964.

In the early years she worked in the fish canneries, as a waitress in a local restaurant, as a cook and baker in a logging camp in British Columbia, in the galley on board a vessel for Washington State Ferries.  Her last job before retiring was as the manager of the Washington State Liquor Store here in Friday Harbor.

June 20th, 1966 she married Ernest Allen “Ernie” Larson.  She became a stepmother to three more girls when Addie, Mary (deceased), and Deanna Louise joined the family.  After she retired, she and Ernie were able to take many road trips to visit family and friends all over the U.S. Ernie preceded her in death April 15th, 1993.
Morning coffee at her house was a given.  The door was always open to those who chose to come visit, work on a jigsaw puzzle, and enjoy a cup of coffee.  With that coffee would often come a piece of her mind, if she thought you needed it. More often than not, we did!

She is survived by her four children,  Alan “Skeet” Lowe (Jeri Sansen),  Cooky Gossom (Burk Gossom), Nadine “Snooky” Tarte (Lyle) and Nancy Drew, all of Friday Harbor; two step daughters Addie Rogan of McDonaugh, GA, and Deanna Louise Larson of Poulsbo.  Lorraine also leaves behind a brother, Ed Wills of Sedro Woolley; a sister Jan Landahl (Fred), happily retired and traveling in their motor home; sister-in-law Cookie Lowe of Friday Harbor & Tacoma; seven grandchildren: Giovanna Drew (Joel Parker), Gail Drew, John Gossom, James Gossom, Elizabeth (Kelsey Tarte) Schubert (Chris), Angela Gossom and Colin Tarte.  Also three great-grandchildren:  Zayden Russell Drew-Parker, Rylee Paige Drew-Malone and Felicity Belle Schubert.  All Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren live in Friday Harbor.  She also has numerous nieces and nephews, and friends that she adopted as family.

We thank you for flowers, food, cards, hugs, and well wishes.  We are all very thankful Mom was much loved.  We feel the love and support.  Thank you all.  Grave side services will be held Saturday June 19th, at 1:00pm, at the San Juan Valley Cemetery. Friends and Family are welcome to join us for a Potluck at The American Legion, which will be immediately following the graveside service.
~The family of Lorraine B. Larson.~

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