Charlene Clara (Anderson) Sorenson

October 22, 1936 – November 3, 2023

Charlene lived a happy life, on her terms. Her earliest years were spent in Hoquiam, Washington where she was born and raised, along with her younger brother Kenneth, in a home with great appreciation for music and humor. She often recalled wonderful memories of these early years with her extended family on the family property at Summit Lake near Olympia, Washington.

She went to Western Washington University in Bellingham where she received her bachelor's degree in English. It was during this period in her life that she met Robert Sorenson. They wed in 1958 and moved to Richland shortly thereafter. Their three daughters were born in the early 60's. They were active members of Richland Lutheran Church.

In the communities where she lived, Charlene was best known as a teacher. In Richland she was a second-grade teacher at Jefferson Elementary, a preschool teacher, a reading specialist at Hanford Elementary, and she taught various primary grades for many years at Christ the King School. Her faith and love of teaching also included volunteering in the Sunday School and Youth programs at Richland Lutheran Church.

In the 80's she cherished her new role as Grandmother "Grandma Nicky" and passed on to her grandchildren her love of wolves (with visits to Wolf Haven) and classic movies. In the 90's, as her parents were aging, her desire to be closer to them took her to Olympia where she retired after many years teaching primary grades at Evergreen Christian School. She enjoyed reading, her cats, the ocean, and special trips with family and friends.

These last couple of years brought Charlene back to Richland where she could enjoy the sunshine and family.

Charlene was preceded in death by her parents, Milton and Clara Anderson, and her brother, Kenneth Anderson.

Charlene leaves behind three daughters: Lisa (Dave) Harrow, Kristi (Pat) Zollars, and Karis (Mike) Skrivan; grandchildren, Matthew, Shelby, Riley, Kristin, Michael, and Seth; and great-grandchildren Grayson, Cole, Owen, Selah, Kasen, and Ryker.

Special thank you to Brookdale Meadow Springs, Kadlec Medical Center, Richland Rehab, and Brookdale Torbett Memory Care for the special care and love they all took with our mother.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Humane Society of your choosing or to the Tri-Cities Chaplaincy Hospice Care, 1480 Fowler St., Richland, WA 99352.

A private family memorial will be held at a later date.