Mary Elizabeth Torgerson
Mary Torgerson
Mary Elizabeth “Marybeth” Torgerson was born in Seattle, Washington on November 10, 1944. She was the only daughter of George Glenn Raymond and June Mary Burd. Before she could meet him, her father was killed in action during WWII on what would have been his first Father’s Day.
Her mother later married Dick Langdon and the family quickly began to grow. With 10 brothers and sisters, “Family” became a main pillar in her life.
Mary went to Holy Names Academy then graduated from Seattle University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business. She had a few different jobs, but the majority of her career was spent as an Operations Manager at both Entranco Engineers and CH2MHill.
Marybeth married Rick Nielsen and had two daughters, Colleen and Judith. Although the marriage ended, Mary would soon meet the love of her life, Ron Torgerson, with whom she had two more children, Aaron and Jolene. Ron and Mary raised all four children at their home in Bothell. When Ron and Mary became “empty-nesters” they relocated to Renton, Washington and were married for 46 years.
She enjoyed golfing, bowling, dancing, singing, Riesling, playing cards, playing Bunco, attending church every weekend, volunteering in the church library, being with family, the Dollar Store, and making friends everywhere she went. She was a social butterfly, and loved to be out and about. Everyone was family to her!
She is survived by; her husband, Ron, her children, Colleen, Judith, Aaron, his wife Taryn, and Jolene and her husband Brian. Her grandchildren, Jakob, Grant, Taylor, Christian, Aiden, Joshua, Finnley and Mason.
She is also survived by her Mother, June Langdon; six brothers – Rick, Mike, Joey, Jimmy, Steve and Matt; 
four sisters – Patty, Jan, Lyn and Sue; brother-in-laws – Roger, Gerry, Russ and Gene; sister-in-laws – Bessie, Vickie, Lindy, Cammie, Ricki, Diane, PJ, Kris and Judy; And so many nieces and nephews.
Marybeth’s funeral will be held at 11:00am on Tuesday, July 23rd at St. Madeleine Sophie in Bellevue, Washington. Reception to follow at the church.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to “BeTheHopeWalk2019”. Marybeth’s daughter, Jolene, has raised money for this cancer research charity for 10 years and Mary was an active participant. Link below.
11 Responses to “Mary Elizabeth Torgerson”
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Mary was an amazing woman and aunt. She would call to sing me happy birthday every year for 20 plus years and even when I wasn’t in the country. At every family gathering she would make sure to pull me aside and ask me how I was and to make sure I was doing ok. She will be dearly missed but always with us.
Mary would also sing me happy birthday every year and I always looked forward to it.
She was my God mother. For some reason i thought that meant i had to live with her if my parents died. I did imagine that scenario with their giant house (that i loved). Later on she became the person I could talk about Chemo and Cancer struggles. I had someone who understood and was willing to listen to me.
Living away from most of the family, in Colorado, Mary and Ron were one source of family information. When we visited we were often staying at her house. She made me feel included.
I admire her so much. She seemed so confident and love just poured out of her. If she loved you, you had no doubt. She was so fun and had a great sense of humor. I love the stories of her chasing my father and hitting him square in the back.
I already miss her so much. The world lost an amazing woman.
MaryBeth was an amazing lady. She had a great sense of humor, loved her kids and grandkids. She always had a smile on her face and was Easy to talk to. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family.
Marybeth came into my life when I was very young (about 6 years old), she became more my sister than an in-law. She always checked in to see how we were doing even though she was not always feeling her best! I still can’t believe we have all lost this beautiful, caring, very outgoing lady, she is missed already so much. RIP Marybeth, until we meet again. Love you.
On behalf of all Sisters of the Holy Names, especially those who taught at Holy Names Academy, Seattle, may we offer prayerful sympathy to Marybeth’s family and friends. May her new way of living in God’s Presence bring great peace and joy to her, and may you experience Marybeth’s nearness always.
So very sad! She was an avid golfer and would always have a presence at Snoqualmie Falls Golf Course! She enjoyed golfing. She will be greatly missed!!
The world has lost and Heaven has gained an angel. We treasured our friendship with Marybeth, and will hold her in our hearts and prayers always.
I met Marybeth at CH2M and considered her a good friend. I am so glad I got to know her, she was a wonderful and fun person. I will miss her; she really was a special person.
Marybeth worked with Gary for over 20 years. She and Gary hit it off right away, became close friends and was his office manager for many years. They were true confidantes, always supporting one another. I got to know Marybeth through Gary and loved her from the first time I met her. Our families became close over the years. We would keep in contact and see Mar and Ron after she and Gary retired.
She was loved by anyone and everyone who knew her. She was always in the hospital waiting room with us when one of us had surgery. She was a kind, gentle soul who definitely cared about everyone but didn’t especially enjoy attention on her. She loved to laugh, dance and sing. She was truly a “angel” on earth. We will miss her every day.
Rest In Peace dear friend. You suffered a lot the last few years. ❤️
Deb & Gary Van Wieringen
You are forever missed gracious lady and friend! Sherry
Marybeth was a valuable member of our professional development group the Society for Design Administration. We are here at our 50th anniversary celebration and she is sorely missed. Our hearts go out to her family.