Randi Olena Mathisen Obituary (1924

Randi (Fjermestad) Mathisen passed away on April 26, 2021 at the age of 96. She was born in Stavanger, Norway on November 25, 1924 to Thorvald and Rachel (Jensen) Fjermestad, the third of four children. Randi immigrated to the United States in 1949, crossing the Atlantic where her aunt & uncle met her in New York. She settled in Seattle, working first as a nanny, to learn English, and then as a nurse at several different hospitals. In 1959 Randi recognized a Norwegian name, "Olav Mathisen", on the patient board and went into the patient's room to introduce herself. A shy handsome fisherman greeted her and soon worked up the courage to ask her out. Five months later they were married. Randi and Olav settled on Bainbridge Island where they raised a family. Randi loved spending time with extended family, friends and neighbors and was a second "mom" to the neighborhood kids in the 1960's & 70's. Proud of her Norwegian heritage, she made numerous trips back to Norway over the years to visit family. She was a world-class knitter and baker of Norwegian pastries and a loyal volunteer at Sons of Norway events. After Olav died in 1998, Randi bought a home in downtown Poulsbo where she lived for about 10 years. Like Olav, she walked everywhere and was recognized by many. In 2011 she sold her home and spent her remaining years at Montclair, an assisted living facility in Poulsbo. Randi was lovingly cared for and adored by the staff who enjoyed her grit, zest for life and listening to her sing Norwegian folk songs. Randi was preceded in death by her parents, sister Judith, brother Fred and husband Olav. She is survived by; sister Olga Marie Hvidsteen of Asker, Norway, daughter Susan Mathisen (Lori Lund) of Eugene, Oregon, son Bradley Mathisen (Sharmaine Regisford) of Poulsbo, Washington, grandchild Honora Mathisen-Lund of Eugene, Oregon and a number of nieces and nephews in Norway. A Memorial Service will be scheduled this summer and family and friends will be notified of the date and location. Memorials may be made to Seattle Children's Hospital 4800 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA.