Mavis Esther Sorensen was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend to everyone who had the pleasure of crossing her path. Mavis left this world peacefully on Nov. 17, 2021 at the age of 96.
She was born to Elmer and Emma Ohlen on Sept. 26, 1925 in Oneida, South Dakota. Mavis came into the world three months early and would make a mark on the world for the next 96 years. Mavis grew up in the Great Depression and during high school she met the future love of her life, Ray. After high school, she worked as a telephone switchboard operator and corresponded to Ray while he was away serving the Navy during World War II.
Mavis and Ray were married June 22, 1946 and later moved to Wyoming. Ray’s career gave them the opportunity to live in Wyoming, Alaska, Oregon, Virginia, Arizona, and Washington. Upon retirement, they moved to the end of Egg and I Road in Chimacum, Wash. They later found their dream home on Quilcene Bay in 1988.
Mavis was adept at sharing her kindness and love with family and everyone she met at each of their stops. Mavis was deeply involved in her local church and community. She loved her church “backpack” kid program and senior center programs. She also actively participated in the Quilcene-Brinnon Garden Club and the Quilcene Historical Museum.
Mavis loved spending time with friends and family. She expertly tended her flowers, garden, and creating magic in the kitchen. To say she had a green thumb is an understatement. She shared her passion for gardening with her family and her knowledge continues to benefit the gardens of even her great-grandchildren. She was gifted at making her grandchildren and great-grandchildren feel especially loved. She opened her home to young grandkids visiting alone, college grandkids with all their friends, and to adult grandkids with their children. Everyone remembers the laughter, food, drink, and fun.
Mavis is survived by her sons Rodney and Roger. She is survived by grandchildren Dane, Kip, Yvette, Justin, and Holly. She is survived by great-grandchildren Kresten, Kynlee, Teal, Barrett, and Meadow.
Mavis will be dearly missed and knowing her was a true gift.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Mavis’ name to the Quilcene Historical Museum (C/O landscaping) at the following location: https://quilcene-historical-museum.square.site/.
Mavis was laid to rest next to Ray at the Tahoma National Cemetery on Jan. 12, 2022.
