Lorraine Betty Wills Lowe Larson
Nov. 17, 1923 – June 13, 2010
Lorraine passed away at her home, with family around her, June 13, 2010.
Graveside service was June 19, 1 p.m. at San Juan Valley Cemetery, followed by a potluck at the American Legion.
Born on San Juan Island Nov. 17, 1923, she was the oldest daughter of Rod and 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 pastime), 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 of 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 Nov. 14, 1943. Together they had four children. Bud preceded her in death Nov. 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 manager of the Washington State Liquor Store in Friday Harbor.
June 20, 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 15, 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; and two stepdaughters, 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 and 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.
— Family of Lorraine B. Larson
