Miriam Andresen, 90, died January 9, 2013 surrounded by her family. She was born Jan. 7, 1923 to Edgar and Eva (Colcord) Weeks in Cardston, Alberta, Canada. She and her twin, Muriel were #13 and #14 in a family of 15 children. When Miriam was young, the family moved to Everett and then Marysville, WA. She married her high school sweetheart, Arvid Andresen, June 7, 1941 and they moved to West Seattle where Arvid worked for his father, then owned Andresen Chrysler Plymouth for nearly 40 years. They raised their family there and were very active in the community. Miriam volunteered at the Puget Sound Blood Center, the Seattle Speech & Hearing League, PTA and school activities, cub scouts and, with Arvid, was active in Hi-Yu. She especially enjoyed knitting and taught it in her home for years.

The Andresen home was always open to friends, their children's friends and their large extended family. Many comments about Miriam's life mention her strong family values, warmth and love for everyone (especially children). She was like a second mother or grandmother to many, within the family, and the community. She was fun-loving and known for her quick wit and sense of humor. Miriam enjoyed entertaining and was an especially gracious hostess! After 68 years in West Seattle, Miriam moved to Yakima to be close to family.

Miriam was predeceased by her husband, Arvid (June 1986), daughter-in-law, Theresa Andresen, her infant children, Larry, Jodi and Craig, eight brothers and six sisters. She is survived by children, Pam (Frank) Hottell of Yakima, Jerry Andresen of Minot, ND and Gary (Kathryn) Andresen of Rio Hondo, TX; grandchildren, Kevin (Gayle) Hottell, Enterprise, AL, Kaylee (Rick) Rehn, Nampa, ID, Todd Hottell, Yakima, Tanya (Rick) MacDermid, Yakima and Tiffany Andresen, Krum, TX; seven great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Sadie Weeks and numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Miriam's life will be held in Seattle at a later date. The family suggests donations in her name to Alzheimer’s Assoc., Cystic Fibrosis Foundation or West Valley Foursquare Church-building fund (5802 Summitview Ave. #150, Yakima, WA 98908) in lieu of flowers.

Published in the West Seattle Herald on January 25, 2013