Ellen Rasmusen Jordal passed away on Dec. 5, 2016 at the age of 88. Ellen was born in Korsør, Denmark in 1928. She studied both in Denmark and at Adelphi College in New York. Ellen met her husband, Jacob J. Jordal, in 1952, and they were married in Denmark in 1953. After their wedding, they moved to the United States. They later returned to Denmark to be closer to her family, but permanently returned to the United States in 1969. They moved to Poulsbo, Washington in 1981.

Ellen raised her daughter and three sons while living in Los Angeles, Everett, Chicago, Dallas, Lyngby DK, Edmonds, and Poulsbo. She took on other roles as well, working at Pillsbury, demonstrating laundry soap in Copenhagen, teaching English as a second language and volunteering. She loved to dance as a child and enjoyed watching her grandchildren’s recitals. Many people enjoyed being hosted by her and having frikadeller, pies and smørrebrød for lunch or dinner. Her candy drawer was always stocked with Danish licorice and chocolate.

Ellen was active in the Christian Science church. She worked for the Christian Science Monitor and was a certified Christian Science Caregiver. She always liked being around younger people and found a deep satisfaction working in the church nursery. Ellen was active in the Poulsbo Historical Society where she helped develop “The Spirit of Poulsbo” and she interviewed many original Poulsbo settlers for this project. She was also active in arts & music and book clubs, and she enjoyed taking friends to kaffestue at the Sons of Norway.

Ellen is survived by her sons Jacob (Becky), Richard (Cherie) and Thomas (Amy). She is predeceased by her husband Jacob and her dearest daughter and friend Elisabeth. Ellen has five grandchildren, Lauren, Zachary, Anna, Sophie and Jack. Ellen will be buried at Poulsbo First Lutheran Church next to husband Jacob and daughter Elisabeth.