Elsie A Hatch

Elsie Anne Halliday was born in Beach, North Dakota on March 24th, 1932, to parents Herbert L. and Alma M. (Nygaard) Halliday. Her family moved to southeast Portland, Oregon when Elsie was three years old. She had two siblings, sisters Jeni and Virginia.

Elsie attended Franklin Primary and graduated from Franklin High School, class of ‘49. She was an excellent student and sang in the A-Choir throughout high school and college. At the age of 17, Elsie began her college education at Vanport College, then transferred to Oregon State College - School of Pharmacy where she earned her Bachelor’s degree. Elsie put herself through college picking berries, beans, and anything else over the summer to finance her schooling.

She married fellow pharmacy school classmate Wayne M. Hatch in Portland on July 4, 1954. They have two children, Kenneth and Kathryn.

Elsie’s main occupation was as a pharmacist for her husband Wayne’s business, Currin’s for Drugs, in the St. Johns area of Portland. Together, and with their son Kenneth, they built the store into a successful neighborhood pharmacy, gift shop and Hallmark store. Elsie was active in the pharmacy community, and was a past-president of the Professional Society of Pharmacists.

Elsie led a very active life with a wide variety of interests. She was active in PTA, and held the position of President of the Portland Chapter of the PTA. She was active with the Bonsai Society of Portland and had a potting bench and bonsai display area designed into the garden of their house. Elsie and Wayne were members of Willamette Sailing Club and she was the primary “crew” member on their Lido-14 sailboat. Together they won numerous sailing championships.

Elsie had a great love for the arts, especially music. Elsie was a supporter of the Portland Piano Series from its inception, and season ticket-holder to the Oregon Symphony. She started piano lessons after having children, introducing them to piano also. She enjoyed playing her Steinway piano and played through her final days. She enjoyed getting together at the homes of friends and her daughter, Kathryn, to play piano and have dessert. Elsie, an early supporter of Oregon wines, was a Pinot Noir aficionado and made countless memorable visits to Elk Cove and other Northwest Wine Country destinations.

Elsie is predeceased by her parents; loving husband Wayne; and a sister, Virginia Harris. She is survived by her children Kenneth Hatch and Kathryn Coffel; sister, Jeni Redifer; grandchildren Karin and Kirsten Hatch, and Wesley and Kimberly Coffel; and her loyal cat, Big Boy. Elsie will be privately laid to rest in Skyline Memorial Gardens in Portland, Oregon. A gathering for family and friends will be held afterward at home of Kathryn Coffel to celebrate her life on Sunday, September 16. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the music or arts organization of your choice. Please visit Elsie’s Internet memorial and online guestbook at www.skylinememorialgardens.com.