Dolores Elvira Dahl Larsen, age 102, passed away on January 25, 2026, in Edmonds, Washington. She was born on April 26, 1923, in Algona, Washington, to Norwegian immigrant parents and graduated from Auburn High School.
In high school, Dolores played the violin and tennis and worked as a lifeguard. She loved ice skating and also enjoyed skiing. She was raised in a home her father built, where the family kept chickens, dairy cows, other livestock, and maintained a large garden.
In 1944, she enlisted in the Navy in support of World War II and was honorably discharged in 1946 with the rank of Sp(S)3c. She later spoke of that time and the profound impact it had on her, including the loss of her Japanese friends who were sent to internment camps—many of whom she would never see again.
Dolores met her husband, Louis, at the Civic Auditorium in Seattle on May 17, 1947, at a Norwegian Constitution Day dance. They dated for a year and were married on May 2, 1948, at her parents’ home in Algona. They shared 77 years of marriage until Louis passed in 2024. Together they raised three sons, and their family grew to include five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
After her Navy service, Dolores worked for the telephone company in Auburn and later in downtown Seattle. She and Louis lived in several homes in the greater Seattle area as their sons were born. In 1959, the family moved to Omaha, Nebraska, where Louis accepted a position as sales manager for Cornhusker Motor Club. After a year, they returned to Washington and settled in what is now the city of Shoreline, living in the Hillwood, Innis Arden, and Richmond Highlands neighborhoods.
Once her family was established, Dolores returned to school and took classes at a business college. She later worked for the University of Washington Dental School as a precious metals clerk, where she remained until retirement. In her later years, she also worked part-time as a dog groomer.
Dolores was a devoted and supportive mother, especially when it came to youth sports. She ensured her children had opportunities to participate, with hockey becoming a central focus. She was always there to encourage them, even on days when motivation was low.
Creative and artistic, Dolores enjoyed making mosaics and was an accomplished knitter, creating countless hats, sweaters, and blankets for family and friends. She especially loved the color purple.
Her love for animals was constant throughout her life, caring for many cats and dogs—and even a raccoon for a brief time—reflecting her warm and caring nature.
Dolores took great pride in her Norwegian heritage. She was known for her hospitality, always ready to prepare a generous spread for guests, expected or not. Holidays were celebrated with Scandinavian traditions and abundant smorgasbords. She also took Norwegian language classes throughout her adult life.
In the mid-1990s, Dolores and Louis moved from Shoreline to Kingston, Washington, where they enjoyed 2.5 acres with a barn, shop, and fruit trees—and even raised llamas. They had previously owned beachfront property in Hansville, along with forested land nearby.
Dolores embraced adventure and the outdoors. At home preparing for a family hiking trip to the Pacific Coast from Lake Ozette, she sewed backpacks for her sons that were to be attached to wooden frames Louis built. Together, she and Louis and family explored the Cascade Mountains in their Willys Jeep, traveled the Alaska Ferry, journeyed the Alcan Highway to the Yukon, and took numerous trips throughout the Southwest.
She also enjoyed traveling to Europe. She and Louis made several trips, including a family journey through Scandinavia in the summer of 1973. In 1975, she traveled with her nephew Eddie to Norway to accompany her father on a return visit to his homeland.
One of her favorite pastimes was walking the dogs along the beach while beachcombing. Over the years, she and Louis collected a large amount of beach glass.
Dolores loved coffee and could enjoy it at any time of day. She was always quick to offer a cup and have a pot ready.
Music remained a lifelong joy. A violinist in her youth, she also grew up with a pump organ that stayed with her throughout her life. She often played folk songs for family and especially loved sitting at the organ with her grandchildren beside her on the bench, showing them melodies and teaching them how to play. Even in her 90s, she could still bring music to life.
Dolores was the rock of her family—deeply dedicated to their well-being and success. They are forever grateful for the values she instilled and the example she set. She will be greatly missed.
Her favorites in Norwegian: god dag (good day), takk skal du ha (thanks shall you have)
A private Military Honors service will be held at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, Washington. A Celebration of Life event will be held in the future, date to be determined.
Dolores is survived by her sons, Stephen L. Larsen, Peter M. Larsen, and Danny P. Larsen; grandchildren Dustin T. Larsen, Karly D. Larsen, Lis M. Vanoudenhaegen (David), Martin L. Larsen (Sarah), and Jacqueline V. Larsen; and great-grandchildren Kasia I. Larsen and Dean J. Vanoudenhaegen.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Eleanora J. Dahl; her father, Louie Dahl; her sister, Eleanor L. Johnson; her brother, Louie Dahl; and her husband, Louis V. Larsen.