Nadine Andresen Benson

Nadine Andresen Benson

12-10-33 - 6-26-19

Nadine was advertising executive, wife, mom, grandma and friend. Born in Tacoma on December 10, 1933 to Norwegian immigrants Asta and Carl Andresen, she lived all of her life in Pierce and Kitsap counties. She studied journalism at Pacific Lutheran University and University of Puget Sound, where she met her first husband. They had two children and divorced in 1979.


With soon-to-be-husband Ben Benson, Nadine discovered Bainbridge and loved everything about it. The island was idyllic then, with open fields of bright yellow Scotch broom and a lot more strawberries than grow here now. They married in 1980 and it didn't take long for them to find the perfect spot to build a home: halfway down a cliff and accessed by 112 steps. No big deal, just everyday exercise.


Nadine had a great job in advertising when the business was in its wild frontier era, as seen on Mad Men. She worked at Cole & Weber in Seattle with the "Hals" and other greats for 36 years and wrapped up her career as a Senior VP. Her favorite clients included Boeing, Safeco, Westin Hotels and Alaska Airlines. In retirement she traveled frequently, especially to Oslo to visit family.


Nadine was very proud of her heritage and never missed an opportunity to celebrate it - often in a bold shirt featuring the Norwegian flag. In fact, she and Ben had just joined the Sons of Norway Lodge in Poulsbo. On June 20, they were picking up their membership cards when she suffered a massive stroke. She passed away at Harborview on June 26.


Her life was characterized by good times. She loved cats, her flower garden and connecting via Facebook. Each day was a joy, usually toasted with a glass of rosé on the deck, looking out at Seattle and scanning the water for whales, ships and other surprises. She was a long-time member of Wing Point Country Club, her second home, where she tried her best at golf. Always physically active and health-oriented, it was easy to forget that she was becoming elderly. She had a second hip surgery in March and had pretty much recovered at the time of her death.


She had an enviable, full life. Yet for those who now must go on without her it feels like she left much too soon.


Nadine leaves behind her husband Ben Benson of Bainbridge, her daughter Palmer Raible and her grandsons Jack and Tom Raible, all in the Seattle area, as well as many extended family members and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her son James Pasnick, brother Lindy Andresen and son-in-law Robert Raible

Arrangements are entrusted to Cook Family Funeral Home of Bainbridge Island.

Memorials suggested to PAWS of Bainbridge Island and North Kitsap.
https://pawsbink.org

Join us for a celebration of Nadine's life at Wing Point Golf & Country Club on Sunday, August 25th at 2:00 p.m.