Elaine (Christen) Larsson
September 30, 1924 - January 17, 2025
Obituary
Elaine Larsson of Burien, Washington, passed away peacefully on January 17, 2025, with her daughter Sheryl by her side. She was 100 years old.
Elaine was born on September 30, 1924, in Plaza, North Dakota, to Wallace and Ilene Christen. Elaine had an older brother, DuWayne, and a younger sister, Winona. Their father died when they were very young. Ilene married Albert Wenaas; after he died shortly after their marriage, she continued to raise Elaine’s three stepbrothers, Charles, Clayton and Arnold.
After graduating from high school, Elaine moved to Bismarck, North Dakota, where she worked in an office before embarking on an adventurous journey during World War II. She and her cousin traveled to Seattle, where they took on vital positions at Boeing, filling roles left vacant as many workers joined the military. It was in Seattle that Elaine met and married Jerry Larsson, and together they raised three children: Dennis, Sheryl, and Heidi.
Elaine was a devoted partner in both life and business. Alongside Jerry, she helped build their family business, which began by selling used cars from their front yard before expanding to a large lot on Ambaum Boulevard in Burien. Elaine was a loving mother and homemaker, known for her attention to detail as she tended to her yard, sewed clothes for her children, and crafted beautiful curtains and home furnishings.
After her children had grown, Elaine worked as a hostess at the Carvery Restaurant at SeaTac Airport, where her warm personality and welcoming smile made her a beloved figure among both regulars and newcomers.
Elaine was preceded in death by her son Dennis Larsson. She is survived by her daughters, Sheryl Burgstahler and Heidi Larsson; her grandchildren, Kevin Larsson, Lisa Greaves, Rebecca and Hannah Singer, and Travis Burgstahler; and eight cherished great-grandchildren: Dylan, Kiley, and Katie Larsson; Dublin, Bolten, and Truett Greaves; and Emerson and Jack Burgstahler.
Elaine will be remembered for her remarkable ability to find joy in the everyday moments of life, a trait she held onto until her final days. Elaine’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
Donations in her memory can be made to the Burgstahler Encouragement Fund, which provides financial assistance to students with disabilities at the University of Washington. Contributions can be made at: uw.edu/giving/make-a-gift/.
