Norene Kay Schrenk Torgerson

Norene was born in 1939 in Colfax, WA, the only child of Ernie and Marian (McClain) Schrenk. She spent her early childhood on the family’s wheat farm, relishing rural life alongside her doting grandparents and seven aunts and uncles.

At age seven, she and her parents moved to Pullman, WA where her father entered the police force, then served for 25 years as Chief of Police for Washington State University.

Norene recently reflected on her upbringing in Pullman as one of her greatest blessings. While small, the college town offered her a vibrant, educated, and close-knit community that instilled in her a love of learning, a strong work ethic, curiosity about the world, and many lasting friendships.

At Pullman High School, Norene was actively involved in various clubs, holding leadership roles as yearbook editor, president of the Treble Triad choir, and captain of the Pep Club.

Norene attended college first in an honors program at the University of Oregon before transferring to the University of Washington where she received a BA in Sociology in 1962. Norene was a member of the Alpha Delta Pi sorority, and a lifelong Husky fan.

After college, Norene worked at Boeing to fund a driving trip across Europe with girlfriends. Later, Norene worked for Air India which afforded her unforgettable travel opportunities throughout Asia and Europe. She loved recounting these adventures with her family and was often invited to share her slideshows and souvenirs at local schools and clubs.

Norene was married to Robert (Bob) Torgerson for 23 years, and together they had two daughters, Tracy and Shelly, and a son, Robby, who passed away as a young child. She was a devoted and loving mother, actively involved in her children’s schools and activities, forming close bonds with their friends as well.

A resident of Bellevue for 57 years, Norene actively served in many organizations including Overlake Service League and Big Brothers and Sisters, and as a volunteer cooking meals for underserved groups. She made countless beloved friends and neighbors along the way.

Norene worked at CH2M Hill engineering firm for 14 years before retiring in 2003 to become a professional grandmother. Known to the family as “Mimi,” she immersed herself in her granddaughters’ lives, never missing a special occasion or opportunity to celebrate their wins, providing unwavering love and encouragement at every age and stage.

In 2023, Norene was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She faced surgeries and treatment with admirable courage and grace, never complaining nor letting her disease slow her down.

Norene loved travel, culinary arts, books, theatre, music and being outside in the sunshine. She will be deeply missed and remembered for her kind, cheerful and selfless nature as well as her good humor, intelligence, impeccable taste, and beautiful blue eyes.

Norene is survived by her daughters Tracy (Eric) Pozil and Shelly (Mark) Hutcheson, and six granddaughters: Sara, Annemarie, and Charlotte Pozil; and Mira, Lila, and Evelyn Hutcheson, as well as many cousins and dear friends.

At Norene’s request, donations may be made in her memory to Jubilee Reach by visiting https://www.jubileereach.org/donate.