Dorothy Mae Nelsen

Dorothy Mae Nelsen, age 91, died peacefully on May 25, 2013 in the presence of her loving sons following a brief illness. Dorothy was born in Warren Minnesota on September 21, 1921 to Karl Otto Mortensen and Maren Kristine (nee Ditlevsen) Mortensen, who were both Danish immigrants. She was the third youngest of ten siblings. After the death of her mother in 1925, soon followed by the death of her father in 1927, Dorothy and four of her sisters went to the Wild Rice Childrens Home in Twin Valley, Minnesota.

A few years later, Dorothy was adopted by the Reverend Cornelius W. and Emma (nee Nelsen) Aanestad. The Aanestads had previously adopted another girl, Ruth Elizabeth Aanestad, who now became Dorothy's older sister. Dorothy grew up happily as a part of this loving family in the small town of Twin Valley, Minnesota. In school Dorothy developed life-long interests in chorus, music, sports and scrapbooking. Upon graduation from Twin Valley High School she decided to pursue a career in nursing and trained to become a Licensed Vocational Nurse.

During World War II Dorothy decided to put her training to use in the war effort and enlisted in the Navy in February, 1944 becoming a Navy W.A.V.E. During her time of active duty she achieved a rating of Pharmacist's Mate 3rd Class with specialized training in Physical Therapy. Like so many of her peers, the war years represented her first big adventure in life. The girl from a small town in Minnesota attended boot camp at the US Naval Training School (WR) at Hunter College in Bronx, New York. This was followed by training at the Hospital Corps School, U.S. Naval Hospital San Diego, Ca.. She was then stationed at U. S. Naval Hospital, Long Beach until she was honorably discharged in April, 1946.

Dorothy used her VA benefits to attend Airline Reservations schooling in Kansas City, Mo.. Having made a measured comparison of the winter snows of Minnesota with the year round sun of California, she returned to California where she married CPO Everett O. Nelsen in December 1947. Thus began the second big adventure of Dorothy's life, marriage and motherhood of three boys. While stationed at NAS Alameda the first son Kris was born in 1949 followed in 1950 by Tim. In 1952 the Nelsen’s were transferred to NAS Whidbey where they bought their first home in Oak Harbor. They soon sold the house and moved to the newly opened development at Long Point south of Coupeville. In 1955 Dorothy's last son Jeff was born.

While landscaping the Long Point house, Dorothy developed a keen interest in gardening which continued throughout the rest of her life.

Divorce in 1962 made it necessary for Dorothy to return to work. She was hired by Dr.C. K. (Speck) Ellison, DDS and worked as a Dental Assistant in his Coupeville office for about 13 years. After Dr. Ellison retired she was hired as a Dental Assistant at the Branch Dental Clinic Whidbey Island, at NAS Whidbey Island. In 1984, Dorothy retired but continued working part time in the garden department of the Oak Harbor Ennen Foods store. In 1993 she moved to Bellingham to try apartment living. She continued working in the garden department of one of the Ennen stores there.

Dorothy was an active vibrant woman throughout her life. "Dottie" was an active league bowler from the 40's through the 70's on various naval bases, the Ebey Bowl and at the Oak Harbor Bowl. Through the late 60's Dorothy was still able to beat her two oldest son's at tennis via her accurate shot placement. During the time she was living in Bellingham, Dorothy joined the Bellingham Bay WAVES; an association she maintained for the rest of her life.

Dorothy found she missed not having a yard of her own and so moved back to Oak Harbor to stay in 2000, where she continued an active lifestyle as a home gardener and as a member of the Coupeville Garden Club. She also joined the Women of World War II in Oak Harbor with whom she always participated in Memorial Day parades and other activities.

Throughout her life Dorothy loved to travel, be it to family reunions in the midwest, visits to her grandson's family on the east coast or even a trip to Europe with friends. Fly, drive or cruise; she was always game to go. Last fall she and two other members of the Women of World War II were blessed to be selected by Honor Flight and were flown to Washington D.C., where they toured the Veteran's Memorials.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents and nine of her siblings; Agnes, Carl, Allan, Victor, Arlene, Gladys, Mary Marcine and Ruth. She is survived by her brother Robert (Mortensen) Karstensen and her sister Florence (Mortensen) Glover. She is also survived by sons Kris (Debbie) Nelsen, Tim (Nancy) Nelsen and Jeff (Donna Arrigoni) Nelsen. Further surviving are her two grandsons, who were such a source of pride for her, Kevin ( Sara Amies) Schneider and Mike (Kelly) Nelsen. Finally, surviving are her two adored great-grandaughters, Colleen Rose Nelsen and Gracie Mae Nelsen.

Last but not least, Dorothy leaves behind the daughter she always wanted, Mitzy, her Boston Terrier, who has been Dorothy's steadfast companion these last eight years.

Thanks to the staffs of Whidbey General Hospital, Care Age and Wallin Funeral Home for their compassionate care and support. A special thanks also to all of her dear friends and neighbors for for their wonderful show of love and support.

In accordance with her request, Dorothy was cremated and there will be no services. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories and offer condolences utilizing the Book of Memories hosted by Wallin Funeral Home at www.wallinfuneralhome.com.

Godspeed Dorothy. We will always love you.

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