Elsa was raised and married in her childhood home in Northeast Portland. She later lived in many states while her husband Veloren, served in the U.S. Navy.

Before her marriage, Elsa worked as a secretary for an attorney. Then, after the family settled in Lake Oswego, she became a social worker for Waverly Children’s Home. She continued to work there for nearly 30 years and became their executive director.

After Veloren passed away in 1979, Elsa retired and spent much of her time golfing, traveling, gardening, and doing different types of volunteer work. She also enjoyed knitting hundreds of baby layettes for needy mothers. Elsa lived in Summerfield Retirement Community in Tigard for many years before making her final move to Hearthstone of Beaverton.

Elsa died peacefully and was surrounded by her family. She is survived by her children, Sharlene (Toby) Tobin of Bend, Gary (Connie) of Beaverton, and Alan(Sandy) of Lake Oswego; grandchildren, Mari Petersen, Kerri Hanson, Sean Tobin, Heather Hansen and Eric Hansen; and great-granddaughter, Keala Hanson.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Hearthstone for their care over the past four years, and to the Gentiva Hospice staff for their loving assistance during the past few months.

In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of Elsa may be sent to Trillium Family Services, 3415 SE Powell Blvd., Portland, OR 97202 (formerly the Waverly Children’s Home) or at: https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/1443299.