Mary L Thoreson

Mary was born in Youngstown, Ohio the youngest of four children. When she was a one years old, her father passed away and her mother moved the family back to Oregon where Mary’s grandparents lived. Mary lost one brother when he was seven years old and another when he was twenty-three.

The children were expected to attend church every Sunday and they would have to ride the trolley car downtown Portland to do so. At times, when they could not go, their mother would read the Bible and they would sing songs together. Since her mother was a pianist and a soloist, they could easily have “church at home”.

When Mary was a teenager, she wanted to become a professional singer. Although she did not, Mary still loved to sing.

After graduating from Parkrose High School, Mary worked as a waitress and as a beautician. She did hair care, manicures, facials, and all the things a Cosmetologist would do. She met her husband while working as a waitress next door to where he was work as a mechanic. They married in 1942 and had two children, Ron and Linda. During the years her children were growing up she was a “stay at home” mom. After they were raise, she went to work for the government in Department pf Energy at Bonneville power Administration in engineering records Department. In August 1988 she retired after twenty years.

After retirement, she volunteered as a Secretary at the Crisis Pregnancy Center in Milwaukie doing whatever needed to be done. Mary was also very involved in church ministry -- visiting Rest Homes and serving on the leadership team of the “Over 35 Singles” and the “Senior Ministry.” In the latter capacity, she helped to organize activities either in church or out of church, such as a Breakfasts, Lunches, Holiday Specials and ocean trips. She organized at least one activity a month. She always considered herself as young and everybody else as older.

To relax, she enjoyed swimming, gardening, reading and especially, spending time with her three grandchildren. She loved to entertain with her family and friends, as well as, growing African violets. She also enjoyed exercising and walking.

Arrangements under the direction of Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, Portland, OR.