March 25, 2020
Written by Becky Pierce

Mina Larsen speaks with a lovely Norwegian accent and she speaks knowledgeably and passionately on a variety of current affairs. At 88 years old, she sincerely wishes she was more adept with technology. She shared this as she pulled out internet searches she’d done on criminal justice and gun legislation. She also shared how much she enjoys interacting with her family in Norway on Facebook. She’s keeping up on the technology front!

Mina grew up on a farm 50 miles outside Oslo. She lived there with 6 sisters, 2 brothers, her grandfather, 2 farm workers, 2 girls helping in the house, and her parents. She reflects on 1 year of rising at 5 AM to milk cows by hand. She joked that she would never marry a farmer!

When Mina was 8, her country was invaded and occupied by the German army in WWII. Her demeanor visibly changes when she shares the fear she experienced daily as bombers flew over her home. This experience informs her concern for American youth who have to deal with the threat of gun violence at school. Mina proudly tells stories of courageous Norwegians who actively resisted the Nazis. They protected and fed men who lived in the mountains rather than being forced to join the German army. They helped Jewish refugees escape to unoccupied countries. Her own father refused to allow the Germans to stable their horses in his barn. The occupation lasted 5 years until she turned 13. It’s no wonder Mina had the courage to immigrate to the US by herself at the age of 23.

Mina is proud of her Norwegian heritage and also loves being an American. Norway is frequently cited as one of the most progressive societies in the world and Mina’s approach to issues is a reflection of that influence on her development.

Her first home in the US was in Minneapolis with an aunt and uncle. She was there for 1 year when she decided to return to Norway. Mina was convinced by a friend to return to the US and come to Seattle with her. She left Norway with $20 and began her life in the Pacific NW. She worked in a bank as a teller initially. Mina met Ray Larsen at a Norwegian Christmas party in 1958. They married in 1961.

Ray initially worked for a mortgage company. He then started a real estate investment company. Later he obtained a lease on a gravel pit. Mina performed the accounting for both the companies. They built a home on the south end of Mercer Island - much of the labor done by them - and raised 3 children there. They now enjoy 4 grandchildren as well. More recently when her husband became disabled, Mina took over the management of the company and eventually successfully sold the business. Mina and Ray now live at Covenant Shores on the north end of Mercer Island.

In 2013, she read an article in the Seattle Times about a march to promote gun safety. She convinced a friend to go with her. At the last minute, her friend was unable to come. Once again, she decided she would go on her own. While watching the marchers, she was drawn to a small group of Grandmothers as they passed by. Neither remembers who spoke first but both Margy and Mina remember Margy inviting her to join them and she did. She has been a very active member of GAGV since. She has been to Olympia 5 times and is responsible for recruiting the group from Covenant Shores who often come to meetings. Mina recruited Margy to come speak with the residents at Covenant Shores several times.

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church enjoys Mina’s active involvement. She has helped and fed homeless people, sponsored refugee and immigrant families - even reaching out to advocate directly with Patty Murray. She has also been a member of both Daughters of Norway and Sons of Norway for many years. She has volunteered at the Nordic Heritage Museum - she was in charge of the Norway room for 32 years.

Mina Larsen is a remarkable woman who continues to produce a legacy of positive influence on everyone in her life. You couldn’t find a more positive example of the impact immigrants have provided our country.

Of note:
Favorite place - Mina and Ray were fortunate to have owned a share of an island in Canada. They loved to sail in the area. She said being moored at the end of day sailing, watching the sun set behind the mountains while enjoying a glass of wine was her special place. BTW - they created a preserve on the island and it is now a park and wildlife refuge.
Favorite movie - Sound of Music - me too!!!
Most admired person - Her niece Nina. Nina lives in Norway and has spent her entire life advocating for refugees. She runs a school for refugees and often entertains large groups in her home. Mina spoke with her recently and she was in the middle of teaching 17 refugee women to knit.