Dorothy May (Olsen) Walsh passed away on June 19, 2018. She was 86. Dorothy was mom, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend to everyone she met. She is fondly referred to as Bestemor by family members, Norwegian for best mother, or grandmother. Dorothy was very proud of her heritage and lived it every day. From bunads to lefse, you saw Norway every time you saw her. She was a charter member of the Poulsbo Daughters of Norway, and was very active in both the Daughters and Sons of Norway.

Dorothy loved the outdoors and spent many years hiking, skiing, sailing, camping, bird watching, and gardening. She was an avid swimmer and found joy in teaching swimming for more than 30 years at Keyport, Bangor, and the North Kitsap Pool in Poulsbo.

Dorothy was born in Seattle to Halvdan and Mary Olsen. She graduated from Ballard High School in 1949. She married Jack Walsh in 1951 (divorced 1997) and had three children: John “Skip” (Sandi), Doug (Donna – both deceased) and Mike “Deeter” (Muriel). She was preceded in death by her parents and by siblings Harold, Stanley, Danny Olsen, and Bjorg Sherwin. She is survived by brothers Robert, Ronald, Gary, Kenneth Olsen, and Martin “Ski” Lavin. Dorothy has 11 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren who adore her. She passes her incredible legacy through them.

Dorothy deeply loved her family and friends and had a warm smile and kind words for everyone she met. We are all richer for having her in our lives and being fortunate to have felt her love. She will be deeply missed.

A celebration of life will be held for Dorothy at the Poulsbo Sons of Norway on Sunday, July 29 at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Poulsbo Daughters or Sons of Norway in Dorothy’s name.