Cathryn May Thomsen

Cathryn May Thomsen, age 93, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on April 13, 2016 . Cathryn attended Duniway Grade School and Washington High School. She then attended Hastings Business College and went to work for Clark Wilson Lumbar Company as timekeeper and then at Pacific Steel Foundry. In 1942, she met her future husband Wesley Thomsen on a streetcar in LA. They courted for three years writing each other daily letters while he was a Marine in WW2 overseas. When he returned, they married on St. Patricks Day, 1946. They were married 62 years until his passing in 2008.

Cathryn was a lifelong volunteer from age 17 on. She was a candystriper at Providence Portland Hospital, then volunteered for the American Red Cross and USO in WW2. She was a member of the Oregon State Home Extension service for over 50 years. She was active socially with her sorority group from business college,and also the YKK-, Young Kouples Klub at the John R Leach YMCA for over 50 years, meeting with friends for potlucks, card games, camping trips, and performing philanthropic deeds around town with the group.

Cathryn was an exceptional mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. All holidays and birthdays were celebrated at her house. She loved to cook and bake. She was an avid reader and always had a book in her hand. She loved the Portland Trailblazers and watched every game on TV. She was young at heart and everyone loved being around her . She was always positive and could turn any negative into a positive.

Cathryn was proud of her 39 years of sobriety. She was a mentor for many men and women with the story of how she turned her life around. She was an inspiration for so many and will continue to be so long after her passing.

Cathryn is survived by her son Thomas R. Thomsen(Carol), granddaughters Kelli Thomsen and Traci Cushnir, Great grandchildren Hazel Lucey and Aria Cushnir. Grandson Jayme Morgan.

Daughter Karen Van Landingham(Bruce). Granddaughter Lisa Carey (Adam), great grandson Tyler and grandson Michael Choquette. Great granddaughter Abigail Choquette and great grandson Benjamin Choquette.

Daughter Betty Ann Melcher(Jeff), grandson Robb Melcher and granddaughter Christine Melcher.

Niece Mayla Litzenberg(Doug) and Great niece, Anna Marie Litzenberg.

Nieces Debra Herring and Marin Langston

Cousin Starley Hodges of Eugene, Oregon

In lieu of flowers contributions may be sent to the URS Club, Inc.

17200 SE Stark St Portland, OR 97233

In memory of Cathryn Thomsen

(URS stands for Unity, Recovery, and Service)

Cathryn’s bright smile, positive spirit, and love for her family and friends will live on in all of us, and all of us remembering her motto, “ One Day At A Time”.