Orene Mae (Dragland) Udd was born July 1, 1936, in Seattle, Washington, and passed in Port Townsend, Washington, shortly after her 85th birthday.
She graduated high school in Siletz, Oregon, before moving back to Washington to attend cosmetology school. She met Edwin, her husband of 62 years, in 1958. They moved to Port Hadlock where they started a family. Here, Orene opened a beauty shop and Edwin started a sawmill. Later her career sights turned to bookkeeping and office work, including work at The Resort at Port Ludlow, Kai Tai, E & E Enterprises, a skilled nursing facility in Sequim, and Jefferson Healthcare.
Orene was a generous person, great cook, and music lover. She embraced her roles as a Chimacum School Board Member, volunteer at the Orthopedic Thrift Store, and charter member of the Thea Foss Daughters of Norway chapter. As a Port Ludlow Volunteer Fire Department’s Ladies Auxiliary member, she worked the concession stand at the Jefferson County Fair and participated in their annual spaghetti dinners. She hosted lefse-making teaching sessions both at her home and at the Fall Scandia Fest, and made traditional foods for the annual Scandia dinner scholarship fundraiser. She also played the accordion and piano.
Orene and her husband owned RVs, taking trips for hunting, fishing, and family outings to dig clams on the coast. They treasured a trip to Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. Orene enjoyed poker, pai gow, and bingo, and played pinochle with friends. She also was a talented crafter who produced cherished tole-painted items.
She is survived by Marjorie Cochran (sister-in-law); Irene White and Tina Nisbet (daughters); Kitti DeLong (stepdaughter); grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Edwin Udd and stepson Kris Udd.
The family wants to thank Jefferson Healthcare, UW Medicine, Vascular & Surgical Care Northwest, and East Jefferson Fire Rescue for their excellent, compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Port Hadlock Community United Methodist Church.
