Audrey Nielsen Haugaard Larson

Audrey was born on February 16, 1935 to Helene and Ejnar Haugaard in Portland, Maine. Audrey grew up in a Danish community in Portland with her two sisters, Inga and Marion. She graduated from Deering High School and received several performing arts and academic scholarships to Simmons College in Boston, Massachusetts, graduating with a degree in physical therapy. One scholarship was for vocal music. Audrey was a gifted singer at her childhood church, St. Ansgar Lutheran Church in Portland, and in college with the Simmons Glee Club. She even had a guest appearance with the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

Audrey used her physical therapy training to help others ranging from working in the pediatric burn unit at Massachusetts General Hospital to editing the manual for the Movement Assessment of Infants affiliated with the University of Washington. Audrey married Vincent Larson in 1958 and after a few cross-country moves, they landed with four children on Bainbridge Island, Washington in 1968.

Audrey also enjoyed living in Seattle, Poulsbo, and finally, Gig Harbor. Audrey’s father was a fisherman in Portland, Maine and she felt a strong connection with the sea and lighthouses. She was a member of the U.S. Lighthouse Society and frequented the Point No Point Lighthouse near Hansville, Washington with her family. Audrey was proud of her Danish heritage. She participated in Danish language classes and events sponsored by the Northwest Danish Association. Audrey loved meeting people. She was gifted at uncovering connections among individuals in a group as she learned about their lives and families.

Audrey is survived by her sister Marion (Bruce) Hopkins, four children David (Kelly), Inga, Mark, and Randi (George), five grandchildren Jack, Henry, Claire, Lindsay and Alyssa, two step-grandchildren Nick (Steph) and Natalie, one great granddaughter Everly, and very special nieces, nephews, and their families. We thank our family and the many friends who had great conversations with Audrey which she greatly cherished.