Obituary of Else Halfrid Sortland

Else was born on 5/20/1944 in Gratangen Norway and passed away 9/28/2010 in Auburn, WA. She is preceded in death by both parents, Eugen Hilberg Hanssen and Halfrid Arnveig Hanssen (maiden name Steinsvik). She is survived by her loving husband of 30 years, Daniel Sortland; Sisters Hillbjorg Dahl, Gerd Lunneborg and Lovise Johnsen; Brother Harald Hanssen: 12 nieces and Nephews (Lisbeth, Jan, Tron, Tore, IngerLise, Frank, CarlMagne, Stein, Susan, Anita, Cecilie, & Christian); and numerous extended family members and friends. A private memorial service will be held for family only. Else moved to the United States in 1964 and has lived and worked here ever since. She worked her entire 27 year career as an Accountant with Scandinavian Airlines in Seattle. She met and then married Daniel Sortland in July 1980. They purchased their home in Federal Way, WA in that same year, 1980. They lived and enjoyed each other’s company for 30 years. Else loved children but was not able to have any of her own so she enjoyed being around all children and was especially fond of her nieces and nephews. She enjoyed gardening, handwork, traveling and being in the outdoors or on the water. Daniel and her traveled extensively and love cruising, especially to Alaska which reminded them both of their homeland, Norway. Else will be remembered, loved, and missed forever by Daniel and everyone else who loved and cared for her. May she rest in peace in God’s hands.