Kathryn Pauline Thoreson, 87, died April 26, in Mountlake Terrace, Washington.

She was born in Fergus Falls, Minnesota on May 31, 1927, a daughter of Anton and Valdine Hanson, the fourth of ten children (two of whom died in infancy). From a young age Kay was deeply devoted to her family and her Lutheran faith. After graduating from Fergus Falls High School, she attended Lutheran Bible Institute in Minneapolis. In 1948, she married David Thoreson, her husband of 63 years, who shared her commitment to faith and family. In 1959, Kay and Dave, with their five children, moved from Minnesota to the Broadview neighborhood of Seattle.

Throughout her life, Kay was active in church and choir, particularly supporting Dave in his work as choir director at Seattle Lutheran Bible Institute. She enjoyed getting to know her neighbors and friends. She found great satisfaction tending her rose gardens, and in serving her community as a hospice and home health volunteer. Her love of family is evident in the dozens of picture albums she assembled, chronicling the lives of her children and grandchildren. For many years she spent countless hours compiling records and stories about her (and David's) Norwegian ancestors. Her fascination with genealogy only intensified after she and Dave traveled to Norway in 1988, visiting many of the homes and churches of their ancestors. An avid garage-saler, Kay amassed a large personal library, which embodied her passion for reading and her belief in the importance of a life-long education. She and Dave were active members of the Audubon Society, spending many days birding in the Pacific Northwest, as well as during their frequent road trips throughout the United States, which often involved visits to family in Minnesota.

In her last years, Kay lived at Mountlake Terrace Plaza. Her family is truly grateful to the staff there and to the hospice workers of Group Health, who provided tremendous care and support in her final months.

Kay is survived by her five children (Bonnie Thoreson, Anita Rue, Enid Peterson, Michael Thoreson, and Jeffrey Thoreson), four siblings (Ruth Hanson, Lyle Hanson, Dorothy Gehrke, and Gene Hanson), eleven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and 27 nieces and nephews.She was preceded in death by her husband, David, and five siblings.

Memorial gifts can be made to Our Saviors Lutheran Church, 27201 99th Ave NW, Stanwood, Washington, where a celebration of life service will be held Tuesday, June 30 at 11 a.m.