Elsie Chandler

Elsie Chandler, age 97, passed away peacefully at her home in Stanwood, WA, on June 9, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She lived a full life marked by compassion, inner strength, and deep devotion to her family and left a proud legacy behind. She will be greatly missed and forever remembered.

On January 16, 1929, Elsie was born in Surnadal, Norway, to Ingebrigt and Willa Smistad. In 1934, Elsie, along with her mother Willa and younger brother Olav, embarked from Norway on a long journey by ship across the Atlantic to the US, passing through Ellis Island to join her father, Ingebrigt, who had come to Stanwood in 1930 to prepare the family for a new life there.

Arriving in the US at an early age with no prior knowledge of English, Elsie rapidly integrated into the local community. She graduated from Twin City High School in Stanwood, where she excelled, and then attended Pacific Lutheran University, majoring in Music. She found her true love and married Kenneth Chandler on July 4, 1947, and they proudly built a farm and life together in Stanwood, where she lived for more than 75 years. She focused her life on raising her three sons and was a continual guiding light for them throughout their lives.

Elsie always had a passion for learning, which she instilled in her three sons and grandchildren. She took on an active role in her family’s education and served as President of the Stanwood PTA. She then worked for more than 30 years at the Northwest Veterinary Clinic in Stanwood.

Elsie was extremely proud of her Norwegian heritage. At 81 years, she was the longest serving member of the Sons of Norway and raised her family with the same strong Scandinavian values that were imparted to her by her parents. She returned several times to Norway and ensured that her immediate family in the US never lost their connection with their Norwegian heritage.

Elsie’s life revolved around her family and lifelong friends. Her happiest moments were spent in her garden, traveling with her family throughout the US and Europe, and in her lifelong love of music and dance. She also inherited from her mother the love of animals and solving crossword puzzles. Later in life, she became a passionate supporter of the Seattle Mariners and never missed a game.

Elsie was preceded in death by her parents, Ingebrigt and Willa Smistad, loving husband Kenneth Chandler, and her oldest son, Michael Chandler.

She is survived by her brothers Olav Smistad and John Smistad (Jana); loving sons, Mark Chandler (Susanne) and Steven Chandler (Heather); granddaughters, Rachael Vaniski (Norman), Michelle Grandy (Craig), Stevie Chandler (Luke), and Nina Chandler; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, June 19, 2026, for family and friends at Mount Vernon Cemetery (1200 E. Fir St in Mt. Vernon) with Pastor Jack Richards presiding. A Celebration of Life will follow the funeral service from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the Sons of Norway hall in Stanwood.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Elsie's memory be made to the Sons of Norway, Fritjov Lodge, No. 17 of Stanwood.

Arrangements under the direction of Gilbertson Funeral Home, Stanwood, Washington.