Esther L. Thomsen

Esther was born in Hughesville, Montana on October 22, 1921. Both her mother and father came to the U.S. from Finland. Her dad worked in the mines both in Hughesville and Stockett, Montana. Their Finish traditions continued when her father built a sauna at their Hughesville home with the miners taking advantage of this after their work day. She graduated from Centerville Highschool traveling to Seattle, Washington solo. She soon moved from a secretarial position to payroll for Boeing. She married Gail Thomsen in 1944 moving to Portland, Oregon to raise a family. The two were a fun dancing pair enjoying the “Shoddish” Polka, Fox Trot, etc. Homemaking and family was her love.

She is survived by her children and their families: Ron (Lynda) Thomsen, Donna (Jim) Schmidt, Steve (Joanie) Thomsen and Judy (Tim) Leeper. Six grandchildren: Rick (Melissa)Thomsen w/great grandchildren, Connor, Brooke and Ryker; Laura (Rob) Yackel w/great grandchildren Benjamin, Bethany, and Evangeline; Andrew Schmidt and Heather (Bennett) Barnwell; Nathan (Rose) Thomsen and Will Thomsen. A family celebration of life will be held in November.

Levätä rauhassa ........(“rest in peace“, Finnish)