Laverne Axlund Neilson

Longtime resident of Puget Island, Laverne (Axlund) Neilson, 97, passed away February 23, 2010 at Columbia View Care Center. She was born June 17, 1912 in Lynden, to Ben and Edith (Axling) Axlund. Laverne was raised by her Uncle John and Aunt Claire Axling after her mother became paralyzed and confined to her bed due to polio on June 9th of that same year.

Laverne attended a one-room grade school (Delta Grade School) and graduated from Lynden High School in 1929. She began her career as a nurse at the county hospital and later worked and retired from the Washington State Department of Public Assistance. She married Dave Neilson on June 3, 1937 in Lynden. They made their first home at Coulee Dam, later moving to Vancouver, and finally settling on Puget Island (Cathlamet) in 1947. Dave preceded her in death in 1994.

Laverne and Dave were a vital part of the community, especially supporting the youth in all of their endeavors and sporting events. They were the ultimate Mule fans, never missing a game or chance to help a child in need. Laverne lived a full life; she loved traveling, golfing and spending time with her dear friends and family. She was a member of United Church of Christ (Congregational), RSVP and Lettie Warren Guild. Laverne also helped with Girl Scouts and HOSTS.

She is survived by her children, Robert Neilson (Hope) of Puyallup, Sandra Quick (Pete) of Ventura, Calif., Rebecca Doxtater (Dennis) of Tucson, Ariz., and Jennifer Neilson of Portland, Ore .; Mormor’s seven grandchildren, Tracy Weber, Scott Neilson, Chris Neilson, Amanda Doxtater, Rachel Doxtater, Ing-Marie Putka and Ben Putka; her great-grandchildren, Jake, Reegan, Abby, Cooper, and Taylor; two nieces, a nephew, many cousins and a large community of friends.

In addition to her husband and friend, Dave; she was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Wendell “Swede” and a sister, Mildred.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday at United Church of Christ (Congregational) in Cathlamet. She will be placed with Dave at Greenwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in Laverne Neilson’s honor to the United Church of Christ, P.O. Box 369, Cathlamet, WA 98612 or Portland Shriner’s Hospital for Children, 3101 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd., Portland, OR 97239. Dowling Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

(Paid Obituary