Audrey P. Clawson's Obituary
Audrey Purse Clawson
Audrey Purse Clawson was born on April 7, 1926 in Tacoma, Washington, to Bessie and Frank Purse. She passed away on April 13, 2018, at the age of 92. After losing her mother at a very young age, Audrey and her two brothers, Frank and Donald Purse, lived for several years with their aunt and uncle, Bill and Rheta Purse. When their father remarried to Wanda Sloma Purse, the family moved to Winnetka, IL, where Audrey attended and graduated from New Trier High School, then worked as a switchboard operator. After returning to Tacoma, Audrey met and married Robert Clawson, and had two children — son, Richard, and daughter, Ellen.
Audrey was an amazing spouse and mother. She was smart, funny and patient. Her quick wit, keen eye for detail, and abundant grace served her well both at home and while volunteering for many organizations, including Day Island Yacht Club, Daughters of the Pioneers of Washington and Tacoma Historical Society. She loved sewing, reading, genealogy and solving all sorts of puzzles. Most of all, she loved to garden, creating an amazing backyard oasis reflective of her inner beauty.
Audrey is preceded in death by her loving parents and stepmother, son, Richard, and brothers, Frank and Donald. Audrey is survived by her daughter, Ellen Stone and her spouse, Geoffrey Stone, grandchildren, Brandon Stone (and wife, Sarah), Anthony Stone, and Alexander Stone. She had recently become a great-grandmother to Trey, Emery and Easton Stone (Brandon and Sarah’s children).
An informal celebration of Audrey’s life will take place on Sunday, February 3, 2019, at Pacific Regent – Bellevue, 919 109th Avenue NE, Floor 3, Bellevue, WA 98004 at 1 p.m. The family invites donations in Audrey’s name to Summit Assistance Dogs (www.summitdogs.org).
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