Obituary of Gladys Doran

Gladys Doran passed away peacefully on February 23, 2008 in Federal Way, Washington at 90 years of age. One of 10 children, she was born on November 8, 1917 to Hannah Christena and Chris Wilhelm Lorentzen in Fillmore, North Dakota and was raised in Devil’s Lake, North Dakota. In 1942, she moved with several members of her family to Auburn, Washington. She worked at the Tacoma shipyards and later on began her career as a cook in restaurants, rehabilitation institutions, and for many years she was the head cook in various nursing homes. As both a Mom and a Dad to her four children, she always did her best to give them everything they needed. She enjoyed going on camping trips during the summer and always loved to go on picnics. Her greatest joy in life was her family which consisted of her four children, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. She was known to all as an excellent cook and many of her recipes still remain favorites of the family. Her Danish Abelskivers, Sweet & Sour Meatballs, and homemade rolls were some of her specialties. Throughout each year, she spent many hours crocheting doilies, afghans, or making quilts for special occasions and to give as Christmas gifts. She also hand-sewed special stuffed animals for the grandchildren when they were young. She had a soft spot in her heart for birds, dogs, and cats and was somehow always able to find a stray cat to nurse back to health. Her dogs, Peanut and Abby and her cats, Bootsie and Cashew gave her many joyful moments. When she was still able, one of her greatest enjoyments in life was gathering everyone together, cooking a big meal, and enjoying time with her family. She was loved and will be missed very much. Gladys is survived by her children Robert Gehrmann, Wanda Jones (Rick), Dennis Swansby (Lorita), and Nancy Aldrich (Dale); grandchildren Adam Van Leuven (Scarlett), Scott Van Leuven (Laurie), Paul Swansby (Paige), Lance Van Leuven, Micah Chance (Kristina), Allen Aldrich, and Dianna Robinson; great-grandchildren Nathan Van Leuven, Cameron Van Leuven, April Robinson, and Chloe Swansby; sister, Mildred Larson; nephew Dale Larson (Marsha); and nieces Donna Brudevold, Betty Reese (Larry), Joyce Fitzgerald, and Sandra Lorentzen, and several great-nieces and great-nephews. Gladys was preceded in death by her parents Chris and Hannah Lorentzen, sisters Ethel Kirby and Voilet Bennett; and brothers Raymond Lorentzen, Russell Lorentzen, Harold Lorentzen, Robert Lorentzen, Arnold Lorentzen, and Devon Lorentzen. Memorial Services will be held on March 6, 2008 at 11:00 a.m., at the United Methodist Church, 901 Wood Avenue, Sumner, WA 98390. Gravesite Inurnment will be held on March 7, 2009 at 11:00 a.m., at Mountain View Cemetery, 2020 Mountain View Drive, Auburn, WA 98001. Arrangements by Curnow Funeral Home.