Saturday, April 20, 2024
Vera Mae Bagwell Sorensen
April 11, 1934~July 16, 2021
Vera Mae Bagwell Sorensen was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. After an extended illness, she passed away at home on Friday, July16, 2021, at the age of 87. She was born April 11, 1934 in Entiat, Washington to Frank J. and Bertie L. Bagwell. She attended Chelan public schools and graduated from Chelan High School in 1952. She often told the story of her father rowing her and her siblings across the Columbia River to meet the school bus each day. Vera married LeRoy Sorensen on Christmas Eve in 1952. They traveled across the United States with the Air Force, spending time in Colorado, Texas, and Maine. After their 4-year enlistment and a long journey home, Vera and LeRoy purchased family property on Stayman Flats where they raised apples until their retirement in 2006.
They were blessed with five children: Mike (Marilyn), East Wenatchee; Terry (Jesse), Mexico; Gerry, Chelan; Lori (Dan), Entiat; and Kelly (Carrie), Entiat.Vera drove school bus for nearly 10 years, serving Stayman Flats families.
She did this in addition to farming, nurturing children (her own and any neighboring youngsters), growing and harvesting a huge garden, and tending to the needs of her aging loved ones. Vera knew no strangers and was generous to all. She never hesitated offering food, a place to stay, a listening ear, or candid advice. Vera loved genealogy research and spent decades putting together family history. Vera and LeRoy were enthusiastic square dancers and were members of the Columbia River Twirlers.
Vera is survived by her husband, LeRoy; her five children; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Vera was preceded in death by her parents and four siblings (Lyle, Jane, Shirley, and Joe).
Visitation will take place at Precht Rose Chapel in Chelan, on July 30 from 2-6 p.m. A funeral service will be held at the same location on July 31 at 11 a.m. Please leave any thoughts and memories for the family at www.prechtrose.com. Services are entrusted to Precht Rose Chapel of Chelan.
