Elizabeth Harrison

1928 - 2025

Elizabeth Harrison, a 45-year resident of Mukilteo, passed away peacefully on August 21, 2025 in Bellevue, after complications from a fall. She was especially known to her friends and family for her boundless energy, positive attitude and smiling disposition.

Born in Seattle on December 22, 1928 to Shurly and Jean McNamee, Elizabeth was the third of five children. Her childhood was filled with outdoor and Seattle park activities. She graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1946 and from the University of Washington in 1950, where she was a member of the Silver Fish synchronized swimmers. She spent summers as a counselor at Henderson Camps on Lopez Island.

In 1951, she moved to Aberdeen, WA for her first teaching job at McDermoth Elementary School. She met her future husband, Paul Harrison of Hoquiam, when they were both members of The Olympians hiking club. They were married in 1952, raised five children, and had a strong and loving partnership until Paul's sudden death in 1994.

Paul's long career with Weyerhaeuser included managing the company's Pulp and Paperboard manufacturing in the Western US and Canada. After leaving Aberdeen, the family lived in Kamloops, B.C., Everett/Marysville, Springfield/Eugene OR and Mukilteo, and enjoyed a vacation home in Sunriver, OR. Elizabeth was always eager to make new friends and join groups and activities at each new location.

At 50, Elizabeth became an avid tennis player. She played both socially and in USTA Senior Women's tournaments around the country into her 90's, often ranked nationally in the top 10 players in her age group. She also enjoyed knitting her own dresses, working for hours in her large, natural-style yard, and visiting her children and their families.

She is survived by her children, Craig Harrison, Lynne (Dan) Kalstad, Kent (Jan) Harrison, Scott (Chiaki) Harrison, and Brett (Wendy) Harrison; grandchildren Evan (Lauren) Kalstad, Erik (Kasia) Kalstad, Emily (Ben) Tegge, Elise (Chris Woodruff) Kalstad, Catherine Harrison, Kelly Harrison, Alexa Harrison, Carver Harrison, and Beck Harrison; great-grandchildren Sylvia Kalstad, Owen Tegge, Harvey Woodstad and Whit Woodstad, and several nieces and nephews.

Her love for her family was unwavering, and she cherished every moment spent with them. A celebration of Elizabeth's full and happy life will be in October.