Longtime Bainbridge Island resident Vera M. Halvorsen, age 89, died March 10 at Messenger House Care Center.

She was born Oct. 3, 1914, in Hilton, NY.

Following graduation from Hilton High School in 1932, she attended the Rochester Business Institute. Later she worked for Smithfield’s Pure Food Co. in Hilton.

In May 1944, she entered military service as a Navy WAVE. She was stationed at Pier 91 in Seattle, where she met Ralph Halvorsen. They were married Aug. 28, 1948, and established the Halvorsen homestead on Bainbridge Island, where she lived until her death.

She loved country living and cherished her neighbors. She enjoyed gardening and preserving all the vegetables and fruits. She also enjoyed baking and preparing meals, as well as reading biographies and history books.

She was raised a farm girl and loved the outdoors. She loved all animals and was an avid sports fan. Her favorite team was the Seattle Mariners.

She is survived by one son, Dana, Bainbridge Island; one daughter, Deborah Bugay, Washoe Valley, Nev.; and one sister, Ruth Popowich, Spencerport, N.Y.

Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. March 21 at Rolling Bay Presbyterian Church, with burial to follow March 27 at Parma Union Cemetery, Hilton, N.Y.

Remembrances may be made to Bainbridge Island Ambulance and Firefighters Association.

Arrangements are under the direction of Kass Funeral Home.