Irene Glory Bell Andersen

Adored wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, Irene Glory Bell Andersen, passed away peacefully in her sleep early on the morning of Friday, January 10th, 2025. Born in Mysen, Norway, to Hedvig and Arvid Jønssen on April 9th, 1938, Irene was devoted to her Norwegian heritage, her family, and her many friendships. 

Irene married the love of her life, beloved Jonny Andersen, in Oslo on June 28, 1958, and immigrated to the United States. She worked in accounting while supporting Jonny to earn his Doctorate degree at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. This is where she became mother to three daughters: Kristin, Heidi, and Britt Anne.

In 1967, the family drove across country to settle in Seattle where she successfully raised the girls with Jonny who taught at the University of Washington. She also worked as an interior design consultant, accepted roles to lead in many of their daughters’ activities, and unassumingly influenced so many family, friends, and acquaintances along the way.

Irene was strikingly beautiful, loving, and loyal. She possessed immense creativity and hospitality, had impeccable taste, was an outstanding cook and planner of parties, stayed active skiing, biking, and hiking, and travelled the world with Jonny. 

Irene was a humble servant throughout her life: she did not boast yet held high expectations. She has been patient and courageous in her journey to join Jonny with our Lord in Heaven, something she has felt ready to do over her last months.

Irene is preceded in death by her beloved husband Jonny Andersen and her two half brothers Urban and Gunnar Jønssen.

Irene leaves behind her three daughters, grandchildren Michael Kevin, Nelson Jonny, Elisa Irene, Lena Maria, and two great granddaughters Eleanor Louise, and Abigail Larkin. A very talented and loved woman, she will be sorely missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Mother attended meetings at the Gina Krog Lodge #38 in Bellevue, Washington. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the Daughters of Norway in Irene’s name at www.daughtersofnorway.org