Alma Nelsen Taylor

Alma Nelsen Taylor

Alma Nelsen Taylor died peacefully on April 21, 2011 at home on Marrowstone Island with her family. She was born in Renton Junction, on September 15, 1911 to Danish farming family, Dora and Fred Nelsen. She graduated from Kent High School in 1928 and from WSU in 1932, a lifetime member of Delta Delta Delta. She married her high school sweetheart, John Owen Taylor in 1936. They first lived in Auburn, where her husband started his medical practice with his father, Dr. Owen Taylor, pioneer physician. They settled in Kent where Alma was often recognized for civic leadership. In 1958, she received the coveted Gulick Award for service to youth from the national organization of Camp Fire. She continued to contribute to her community when the couple retired to Marrowstone Island in 1968 and was named Island Citizen of the Year in 1983. Her family includes her daughters, former State Representative, Patricia Taylor Lantz (Gig Harbor,) and former Evergreen State College teacher and dean, Nancy Taylor (Bainbridge Island;) sons-in-law, John Lantz and Fritz Levy; grandchildren, Martha Lantz, (Andy Fitz), Andrew Lantz (Kanako Sato), Peter Lantz (Heather Lantz); six great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Alma was preceded in death by her husband in 1978. The family held a graveside service on April 27 at Hillcrest Burial Park, Kent. Her life will be celebrated this summer at the Marrowstone Island Garden Club, date and time to be announced. Remembrances suggested: Friends of Ft. Flagler State Park, P.O. Box 74, Nordland, WA 98358.

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