Helen Norma Lauritz Fritts of Sunlight Beach, Clinton, born at home in Tacoma on Aug. 7, 1918, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family, on Feb. 25, 2004.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 46 years, Billie E. Fritts; her parents, John and Jenny Helberg Lauritz of Norway; and her sister Solveig Simonsen Glenn.

Recently honored by the Whidbey Island Bed & Breakfast Association as a charter member and “First Lady,” Helen was also a charter member of the Daughters of Norway Esther Moe Lodge #34 of Clinton. Retired twice, she spent her winters in Maui and summers on Sunlight Beach surrounded by friends and family. She was also a member of the Lahaina Methodist Church and was an ardent fan of the Seattle Mariners.

She is survived by her brother Erling Lauritz of Burien; and sister Doris Paris of Tacoma; daughters Sharon Fritts Drew of Sunlight Beach and Joyce Alexander and her husband, Bruce, of Tacoma; six grandchildren — Linda Walsh (Sam), Laura Decoster (Tom), Shannon Angle (Clay), Lisa McDermott (Bill), Bret Alexander (Theresa) and Todd Alexander (Mary); 11 great-grandchildren — Jordan, Nichlous, Harley, Garrett, Griffon, Margaux (Dave), Jessica, Nels, Claire, Lillie, and Lena; and one great-great-granddaughter, Isabella.

The family requests in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the Port Orford Heritage Society/Coast Guard Station (P.O. Box 1132, Port Orford, OR 97465) and the Hospice Healthcare of Whidbey General Hospital, Coupeville, WA 98239, or blood donations to the American Red Cross.

Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. March 2, 2004, at Mountain View Cemetery, Tacoma, followed by a celebration of Helen’s life at the home of her daughter Joyce and son-in-law Bruce in Tacoma.