Naida Gipson

Naida Joan Olsen GIPSON Those of us whose lives were touched by her world will forever be blessed with the memory of this remarkable woman. Her contributions to her family, friends and community have benefited us all. She brightened our hearts with her ever-present, contagious smile. Naida was born in Eureka, California on November 24, 1927. She passed away on May 6, 2011, at home in Tacoma, Washington, after a courageous struggle with cancer. She was the second daughter of Mike and Laura Olsen and the granddaughter of two pioneer families who homesteaded in Humboldt County, California. She graduated from Eureka High School in 1945. After graduating from Humboldt State Collage in Arcata, she began her professional career as a teacher in elementary schools. She was a teacher at Rolf School and then served as its principal until the birth of her son John in 1955. Her marriage to Ken Gipson in 1953 was her life for over fifty-seven years and resulted in three wonderful children and six grandchildren. She is survived by her husband Ken Gipson, her son John Gipson (wife Tamako) and their children Greg and Tracy (husband Jake), her daughter Joan Mezzanatto and her children Mike and Savannah Hays, her daughter Karen Kubota (husband Keith) and their children Emily and Adam. Naida was a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother who gave priority to her family. She also had many talents that could not be suppressed. Her natural musical ability became apparent at the age of six months when she was discovered to be humming "Ramona" in her baby basket as her mother played it on the piano. This led to a lifetime of musical enjoyment for her and for those who gathered around her at the piano. She was also an outstanding dancer. She could never get enough of dancing. After her children were raised she had time to explore her interests in painting and writing. Her watercolors grace the homes of many family members and friends. She has written two novels, yet to be published, and numerous articles for the Humboldt Historian, the official publication of the Humboldt County Historical Society, for which she was a contributing editor for many years. This lady who loved and was loved by so many will be forever remembered. In her honor there will be a memorial service and celebration of her life on May 22, 2011 at the Browns Point Improvement Club located at: 201 Tom-A-Wan-DA Ave NE, Browns Point, Washington 98422. The service and celebration will begin at 1:00 p.m. and food will be served. Those who wish to share their memories of Naida will have the opportunity at this event.