Vashon Island news-record. [volume] (Vashon, Wash.) 1919-1954, 1931-10-08
Islander Celebrates
Ninetieth Birthday

A two day celebration marked the
linetieth birthday Of one Of the Island
mothers, Mrs. J. Hansen OF Center.
Still physically and mentally strong
Mrs. Hansen was able to enjoy every
detail of the various gatherings Of
friends and relatives In her honor
A preliminary TO the real celebra-
ton Of her birthday was visit over
the weekend Of her son, Nels, and
his wife who came up from Chehalis
TO visit their mother and sister, Miss
Sine On Thursday, beginning with
call from her eldest grandson,
Howard, the day was constant round
Of visits from relatives and friends.
AT one o'clock luncheon covers were
laid for Mrs. Geertson, of Seattle, who
was spending few days with Mrs.
Hansen, Mr.. and Mrs. Thos. Clausen,
of Seattle, Mrs. T. Hansen, Mr.. j..
Therkelsen, besides the hostess and
llci uuuBilucl. DuililS VIC ulucliiOOil
many more called, bringing gifts,
flowers, messages, all tokens of the
love enjoyed by Mrs. Hansen.
On Friday the guests enjoying the
hospitality of Mrs, Hansen and Miss
Sine at another luncheon were Rev.
and Mrs. Hottie and Mrs. Agnes l..
Smock. Later in the afternoon Mrs.
Carl Steen, Mrs. August Steen, Mrs.
Nordstrand, Mrs. Lindberg, Mrs. Field,
Mrs. Eulsether and daughter Alice,
surprised Mrs. Hansen. They brought
delicious cakes and sandwiches, and
their gift was huge bouquet of hot
house roses. All of these ladies were
friends of many years acquaintance.
Another happy surprise of the after
noon was the arrival of Mrs. Hansens
son, Henry, Of Seattle, who remained
with her until Saturday.
Mrs. Hansen is one of the old set
tiers of Vashon Island, coming here in
1891. Her mind is remarkably clear,
and she recounts many instances of
the early days of the Island. Unlike
so many elderly people she is inter-
ested in the present day happenings,
although she enjoys talking of the
past. Mrs. Hansen has a kindly in
terest and thought for all, and the
sorrows that she has been called upon
to bear in the course of long, useful
life have left no mark of bitterness.
Even in speaking of the death of her
son, Terkel, she mentions how deeply
she missed him, but there is no at
titude of questioning the wisdom of
the One who has given her strength
for the many duties of her life.
Mrs. Hansen (Katherine Helene
TherkelsenD was born in Skodborg,
Denmark, October LIST, 1841. She grew
up and was married in the same town
in 1867. In 1886 Mr.. and Mrs Hansen
and their family came to America,
settling in western Iowa. Five years
later they came to Vashon Island,
settling on the place that is still the
home of Mrs. Hansen and her daugh-
ter. To them were born three sons
and three daughters. Mrs. Hansen
has been called upon to give up three
of these children, together with her
husband, who passed away in Febru-
| airy of 1927. Had Mr.. Hansen lived
until May he and his wife would have
celebrated the Goth anniversary Of
their marriage.
i Mrs. Hansen is interested, and keeps
constantly in touch with the welfare
of her three remaining children, hel
six grandchildren and eight great
grandchildren. The loving care Of
her daughter, Miss Sine, fills hel
mothers declining years with all o.
the comforts and blessings that car
possibly be provided. She can BIZ
likened best to Barrels wonderful
character, the daughter of Margare
ogilyy. Her every act is the out
growth of daughterly love that Il
like beautiful story.
Vashon Island has many people witt
have passed their eightieth birthday
and who have wide circles of friend
proud of them, but it is rarely tina
| any community can boast of resi-
dent who has passed her ninetietl
r birthday, and is still in possession o
! all of her faculties, and maintain
| such a youthful interest as does Mrs
r Hansen. The News-Record joins witt
/ her many friends in congratulatin
t Mrs. Hansen on the beauty OF her life
9 and trusts that on her Tooth birthda
: she will be just as happy, well an
bright as she was on her ninetiet
birthday.