Vera Olson Mortensen

Vera Olson Mortensen, 92, longtime resident of Oak Harbor, died at home Sunday, Nov. 9, 2003.

Mrs. Mortensen was born June 22, 1911, in Crescent City, Calif., to Russian immigrants Dan and Daria Chirvonsoff. Vera moved with her family to Seattle in 1921, and in 1925, the family arrived on Whidbey Island. She met Ole Olson in 1929 and the couple was married in May 1930. Vera and Ole raised a family of four children on the Olson farm, which is now Mariner’s Cove. Ole passed away at their home Dec 1, 1965.

Vera worked for the Farmer’s Co-op in Oak Harbor and later at Western Farmers of Mount Vernon for more than 30 years. Vera and Ralph Mortensen met in 1967 and were married that same year. Ralph passed away in October 1972. She was a charter member of Oak Harbor Lutheran Church.

Vera is survived by a son, Hans Olson and wife Marlene of Oak Harbor; three daughters, Dorothy A. Gilbert and husband Eugene, Nancy Lewin and husband Joe of Oak Harbor and Vera Romani of Sesser, Ill.; one sister, Ann Wagness of Wenatchee; 18 grandchildren; 39 great-grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by two grandchildren.

Visitation will be Thursday, Nov. 13, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Burley Funeral Chapel. A funeral service will be Friday, Nov. 14, at Oak Harbor Lutheran Church, Pastor Laurie Johnson officiating. Interment will follow at Maple Leaf Cemetery. A brief visitation at the church will also be from noon until just before the service. Memorials may be made to Oak Harbor Lutheran Church, 1253 NW Second Ave., or to a favorite charity. Arrangements are by Burley Funeral Chapel.