Family and friends will gather Sunday (June 1) in honor of LaVonne Christopherson, and are sharing this remembrance with the community:

LaVonne Christopherson was born on January 21, 1933, in Sioux City, Iowa, to her parents, Louis and Claudia McClaflin. During her young childhood, her family moved to Valley City, North Dakota, where LaVonne became an avid ice skater.

During World War II, LaVonne and her parents moved to Gig Harbor, Washington, for work. Her father was a carpenter, and her mother was a secretary in the logistics department at the Bremerton Naval Shipyard.

After high school, LaVonne worked for Booth Fisheries, where she met and married John “Gordy” Christopherson. They lived in West Seattle in a house overlooking Alki Beach, where they raised two girls, Doreen and Laura.

When the girls were in high school, LaVonne went to work at Seaboard Surety Company in the Bank of America building. LaVonne was active in the community, volunteering many years to stage the West Seattle American Legion Parade.

Throughout her life, LaVonne always had an elegant sense of style. When she retired, LaVonne spent her time on her true passions – being with her family, shopping, and traveling.

LaVonne passed away peacefully on May 19, 2025, at Swedish Hospital, surrounded by her family.

LaVonne is survived by her daughters, Doreen Vague and Laura Souza; her grandchildren, Alexander Vague, Bryan Clarke, and Monique Robbins; and her great-grandchildren, Brayden, Arielle, Olivia, Owen, Declan, and Gianna.

In place of flowers, please honor LaVonne by buying a flashy new pair of shoes, visiting a casino in her name, or donating to the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance.

LaVonne’s memorial service will be held June 1st at Haven of Rest Funeral Home, 8503 State Route 16 W, Gig Harbor, WA.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)