With heavy hearts and cherished memories, we announce the peaceful passing of Anita Bea Lorentzen, affectionately known as Bea, on April 2nd, at the venerable age of 89.
Her departure, following stroke complications, has left a void in the lives of those she touched. Born into the loving arms of Harold and Doris Blomquist, February 17th, 1935, in McCall (Lardo), Idaho, Bea’s journey through life was marked by love, dedication, and a profound sense of caring for others.
Bea’s heart found Arthur “Tom” Lorentzen, a first-generation Norwegian native Vashon Islander with a soul deeply rooted in their shared island life. Their love story, which blossomed on the Ides of March in 1957, was a testament to enduring companionship, spanning 62 beautiful years until Tom’s passing in 2019. Tom’s nickname for Bea, was the “Beazer from Weiser (ID),” as she lived in Weiser/Nampa, ID as a kid.
Bea earned a BS in Nursing (UW) in 1957 and a RN Masters in 1965 (top of her class). She held various RN roles (Lane Community College (Oregon), Seattle-King County Health Department, Seattle/Highline Public Schools).
Bea lived abroad with Tom in Denmark (1960 – 1961) where Tom was in residence for his Fulbright Fellowships.Their journey together included the joy of parenting for Kaia, Karsten, and Rolf.The Lorentzen home, initially split time between Capitol Hill and Vashon Island, and, exclusively Vashon island in 1980. Bea’s legacy is not merely in her deeds but in the virtues, she embodied – selflessness, love, and a profound commitment to her family. She was well-known for her baking (sourdough bread) and her mosaic art (stepping-stones, violins), painting, and knitting. Bea was fond of purple and purple flowers (Lilacs, Irises).
Bea was later baptized by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 2021, becoming a member, which started a new chapter of faith and community engagement.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Tom, her parents Harold and Doris, father/mother-in-law Leonard/Petra Lorentzen, nephews (Eric Paulsen, Mark Adams), brother-in-law Tom Paulsen, and granddaughter Katiana “Katje” Taylor. Bea’s legacy of love and kindness lives on through her sisters (Colleen Wheeler, Nadine Paulsen, children (Kaia Fredrickson (Paul), Karsten Lorentzen, and Rolf Lorentzen (wife Lisa)), nieces (AzharIbrahim (Cynthia), Deanna Adams, Lisa Nicholas, Kirsten Paulsen-McGrath), nephew (Chris Paulsen), her cherished grandchildren (Sasha Reed, Andreas Lorentzen, Ava Lorentzen), great-grandchild Dallen Ward, and many more cousins and their children.
Anita Bea Lorentzen was a matriarch, a friend, and a beacon of light to all who knew her on Vashon. As we bid farewell, we also celebrate a life well-lived, a heart well-loved, and a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come. Imagine the joy she felt after being reunited with the love of her life, Tom Lorentzen, in Heaven.
A celebration of life for Bea will be held on April 27th (Saturday) at the Mormon Church starting at 11 a.m. The address is: 9330 SW 204th St., Vashon, WA 98070. There will be food and refreshments, along with a small graveside dedication.
