Audrey Nielsen (Haugaard) Larson

GIG HARBOR, Wash. – Audrey Nielsen (Haugaard) Larson passed away at the age of 89 on July 18, 2024 after a brief hospitalization while living in Gig Harbor, Wash. Her four children were with her as she passed.

Audrey was born on Feb. 16, 1935 to Helene and Ejnar Haugaard in Portland. Audrey grew up in the Danish community in Portland with her two sisters, Inga (Hanna) and Marion (Hopkins).

She graduated as salutatorian from Deering High School 1953, and received several performing arts and academic scholarships to Simmons College in Boston, Mass., graduating with a degree in physical therapy. One scholarship was for vocal music. Audrey was a gifted singer at her childhood church, St. Ansgar Lutheran Church in Portland, and in college with the Simmons Glee Club. She even had a guest appearance with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Audrey used her physical therapy training to help others ranging from working in the pediatric burn unit at Massachusetts General Hospital to editing the manual for the Movement Assessment of Infants affiliated with the University of Washington.

Audrey married Vincent Larson in 1958 and after a few cross-country moves, they landed with four children on Bainbridge Island, Wash. in 1968. Audrey also enjoyed living in Seattle, Poulsbo, and finally, Gig Harbor, Wash.

Audrey’s father was a fisherman in Portland, and she felt a strong connection with the sea and lighthouses. She was a member of the U.S. Lighthouse Society and frequented the Point No Point Lighthouse near Hansville, Wash. with her family.

Audrey was proud of her Danish heritage. She participated in Danish language classes and events sponsored by the Northwest Danish Association. Audrey loved meeting people. She was gifted at uncovering connections among individuals in a group as she learned about their lives and families.

Audrey is survived by her sister, Marion (Bruce) Hopkins; four children, David, Inga, Mark, and Randi; five grandchildren, Jack, Henry, Claire, Lindsay and Alyssa; one great-granddaughter, Everly; and niece/nephews Erik (Madalena) Hanna, Charlotte Hanna, Glenn Hopkins (Jamie), Philip Hopkins (Laurie) and their families.

We thank our family and the many friends who shared great conversations with Audrey which she greatly cherished.