Obituary

June passed from this life on November 22, 2015 at the grand age of 97. She was born in Seattle on Sept. 22, 1918 to Anton and Minerva (Swanson) Hansen and lived most of her life in the Seattle area. She, her brother Paul (deceased) and sister, Rosalee Hansen MacRae (Camas, WA.) grew up in West Seattle surrounded by aunts, uncles, and cousins. After graduating from West Seattle High School class of 1936, she attended Edison Vocational School, worked at the Harbor Island shipyard and traveled to Washington DC to work for the civil service. There she met her husband of 52 years, Matthias A. Thies, who preceded her in death in 1994.
Together, Matt and June reared four children, Toni Lee (Paul) Griffin of Kent, WA., Terilyn Koretsky of Kalamazoo, MI, Timothy Thies of Maple Falls, WA, and Trevor (Sandra Erpenbach) Thies of West Seattle. She is also survived by seven grandchildren, Christina (Steve) Kealy, Amanda (Matt) Bedsaul, Carla (Tom Reich) Koretsky, Andrew (Lori) Griffin, Ivan Koretsky, Hannah Thies (Kody) King, Orion Krauss, and six great-grandchildren: John, Mark, David, Emily, Addison and River.
June’s fond childhood memories of Camano Island inspired Matt to build a home overlooking Port Susan and Mt. Baker. Matt retired from Boeing and June from the State Highway Department. They spent many happy years on Camano Island. June became an award winning photographer and a certified master gardener. Her yard was always overflowing with flowers, berries, apples and grapes. Many family gatherings were hosted there and no one ever went away hungry from her table! She renewed her Norwegian roots by joining the Daughters of Norway. June’s life came full circle spending her last years in West Seattle at The Kenney. June and her family wish to express their profound gratitude to the staff of the Kenney and Providence Hospice for the compassion and care she received.
She will be remembered with love and missed by her family.
A family graveside service will take place at The Meadow in Greenacres Memorial Park, Ferndale, WA, where a tree will be planted in her memory.
Family and friends are welcome to celebrate her life Thursday, December 3, 2015 2:30pm at The Kenney, 7125 Fauntleroy Way SW. Seattle, WA.
June was a life-long animal lover and pet advocate. Remembrances can be made to NOAH in Stanwood, WA. or the Seattle Humane Society.