Helen Andrea (Marvik) Gorenson Obituary (1940 - 2021)

Helen Andrea Gorenson, longtime resident of the Midland area, died on July 3, 2021. She was 80 years old. Born in Tacoma, Washington on November 24, 1940, two years after her brother Lloyd, she was the youngest child of Osmund and Mabel Marvik. Helen was a true Washingtonian, growing up in the city of her birth and attending Franklin Pierce Schools. Eventually she graduated from Franklin Pierce High School in 1958. Helen's life was filled with passion, joy, and dedication. For forty years she owned and operated Fran's Hair Design, sharing her skills for haircare and people. In 1986 she married Richard Gorenson and the two remained together until his death in 2019. She was a member of the Tacoma Lariettes, a precision equestrian drill team. With the Lariettes, Helen was able to channel her lifetime love of horses into performances and caring for the beloved animals. Helen had diverse interests and heritage. She was a proud Norwegian, relished the Scandinavian culture of the Tacoma area, and supported her heritage as much as possible. A member of the Scandinavian Cultural Center at Pacific Lutheran University and the Daughters of Norway, Helen always found time to support her cultural heritage and community. Her tenacity, dedication, and zest for life will be missed. Helen is remembered by her sister-in-law LaWanda Marvik of Puyallup, Washington, loving extended family, and many friends. Per her request, no formal funeral services will be held. Instead, her ashes will be scattered in a place she loved as she wished. Many thanks are extended to Memory Haven and Hospice Care of Sumner, Washington for their loving care of Helen. It is greatly appreciated.