Mildred Ellingson

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Mildred (Bestemor) Ellingsen
Mildred Fredrikke Hansen Ellingsen, known to many as Bestemor, (Norwegian for grandma), passed away peacefully in her sleep on January 9, 2010 and is now with her heavenly Father. She was born in Bellingham, Washington on March 7, 1911 to Eline (Figenschau) and Julius Hansen, originally from Finnkroken (Tromsø), Norway. She was predeceased by her brother, Harold C. Hansen, and his eldest son, Leroy in 1983. She was baptized in Bellingham by Pastor Nordby. The family moved to Seattle when she was an infant because her dad wanted to be closer to the fishing fleet, his livelihood. They lived there a few years, then moved to their farm on Urdahl Road in Poulsbo in 1915. She had many fond memories of growing up in Poulsbo. She graduated from Vinland Grade School in 1925, was confirmed in Norwegian at Vinland Lutheran Church in 1926 and graduated from Poulsbo High School (now North Kitsap) in 1929. After graduating from business college, she worked for 12-1/2 years at the N.W. Casualty Ins. Co. She married Elling C. Ellingsen, son of Klara (Standal) and Elling M. (Nakken) Ellingsen, originally from Aalesund and Fiksdal (respectively), Norway, on Dec. 6, 1946 at Immanuel Lutheran Church by Pastor Stub and they settled in Ballard. In the late 60’s she worked at Smith Cove Oil Co., which she and Elling owned. Their daughter, Kae Elene, was born in 1951. Elling, who was a commercial crab and halibut fisherman, died in 1977. Mildred was a member of the Halibut Wives Association.

Mildred played the accordion in the Helga Melinder Orchestra from 1936 to 1945, until the war was over. This "all-girl" band was comprised of Helga, Mildred, Inez Bement and Phyllis Googe. They played at Harmony Hall, the Avalon, the old Swedish Club, and at various places for wedding receptions, anniversaries, etc. While growing up, she also played the piano, organ, banjo and Hawaiian guitar. Music was always an important part of her life. 

She was a member of Ballard First Lutheran Church, Vasa Hope, Nordlandslaget Fembøringen, and was a life member of Leif Erikson Lodge #2-001, Sons of Norway. Mildred was one of the original founding volunteers of the now internationally known Kaffestua (coffee shop) at the Lodge. She was a loving wife, homemaker, mother, grandmother and great-grandma. Her faith, her family, gardening and music were the great joys and loves of her life.

Mildred leaves her daughter, Kae, grandchildren Marnelle Dragila, Karin (Antwan) Eafford, and Karl Pierce; great-grandsons Marcel, Daniel, Justice, and Kaden, and great-granddaughter Marley, as well as her sister-in-law Irene Hansen, Leroy’s wife Sandra, nephews Marvin (Anita) Hansen and Kenneth (Susan) Hansen and their families. She will be greatly missed. Takk for alt!

A celebration of Life was held on January 15, 2010 at Wiggen & Sons Funeral Home in Seattle. Remembrances can be sent to Ballard First Lutheran Church, 2006 NW 65th St. Seattle, WA 98117; or to Nordlandslaget Fembroringen, c/o Ellen Beck, 9258 Burke Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98103.

Published January 29, 2010 in the Ballard News Tribune.