Elizabeth Myrtle Duncan, 90, was born on June 14, 1930, in Seattle. She was always proud to say that she was born on Flag Day.
She grew up in West Seattle attending Lafayette Elementary, James Madison Jr. High, and West Seattle High School. She loved her West Seattle High School Indians and attended many reunions, including her 70th.
She started working during high school at the ice cream shop in West Seattle, then Kress’s in downtown Seattle, and the Veteran’s Administration in the Smith Tower.
She married Merwin Swenson in 1951 and they had two daughters. The family moved to Poulsbo, in 1963, building a house where she raised her daughters.
Elizabeth eventually went to work at the Bangor Naval Base and then at the Keyport Torpedo Station as an FRT Classification Specialist for SWFPC.
She married Jack Duncan in 1975. Upon retiring in 1985, they planned to travel but life turned out differently and she was widowed in 1990.
She was a member of The Sons of Norway Poulsbo Lodge #44, as well as AARP and NARFE. She later moved to Bonney Lake, and then back to West Seattle until her death on September 9.
Elizabeth delighted in sharing stories about visiting her grandparents in Taylor, Washington. The family gatherings were large with cousins galore. She was also very proud of her Norwegian heritage. She loved to listen to the Scandinavian Hour every Saturday on the radio. Elizabeth enjoyed returning to Poulsbo to attend the Lutefisk dinners at both the Sons of Norway and the First Lutheran Church.
Some of her favorite things were picking wild blackberries, gardening, canning, and baking especially Christmas cookies. She didn’t let anything go to waste. She loved to dance. Spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren was very special. Whether having them just visit, sleep over or watching them perform at school events or sports, she loved them all.
She was preceded in death by her father, Sam Davidson; mother, Mary; brother, David; and husband, Jack Duncan.
She is survived by daughters, Kareen (Zbigniew) Kasprzyk and Greta (James) Thode; five grandchildren; four great- grandchildren; as well as step-children, Jack, Patti, Mary, Kathi, and Rick; 14 step-grandchildren; and 40 step-great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Salvation Army, 1209 Central Ave S. Ste. 145, Kent, WA 98032 or the charity of your choice.
