Gislaug “Nell” Dalin (93) passed away peacefully, on her own terms, at home on March 13,
2024.
She was loving known as “Nell” as only those who spoke Norwegian were able to pronounce
Gislaug correctly. She was born to in Beloit, Wisconsin to Arne and Aashild Feroy. However,
the family returned to Norway during the Great Depression when she was only two years old.
Nell and her younger brother Finn (born in Norway), spent their childhoods in Hervik, Sogn og
Fjordane, Norway among extended family. This included several years during the Nazi
occupation of Norway during WWII.
Nell returned to the United States with her immediate family at the age of 15. She spoke little
English when she arrived in the US, but she learned quickly and completed high school in Kent.
WA. She went on to attend and graduate from Washington State College with a degree in
Education.
Her brother Finn attended the University of Washington, where when visiting him, she met her
husband Donald Dalin (94). They were married in 1960 and promptly moved to New Jersey
where Donald started a new job. Nell taught elementary and social studies for many years while
in NJ and later in Ohio. Donald remembers that the parents were always commenting on what an
exceptional teacher she was and made sure their children were assigned to her classes.
In 1977 Nell and Donald moved back to Washington State and bought a house on, the once
sparsely populated, Lake Tapps. Nell didn’t resume teaching school after their move; instead she
pursued her love of art. She and her sister-in-law Ragnhild, made and sold dolls with handmade
Bunads, (Norwegian traditional costumes), Nissen (friendly farm trolls) and their paintings, at
Scandinavian events.
Nell was a talented artist who excelled at both watercolor and oil painting. She most often
painted Norwegian landscapes, but also enjoyed knitting and sewing. Nell was very proud of her
Norwegian heritage and even taught Norwegian thru community education classes.
During later years, Nell volunteered at the Auburn Senior Center, where she often worked the
coffee stand. She was close with her sister-in-law Ragnhild and her cousin Sissel. They often
traveled together or went on art/cultural excursions together. When getting together at family
gatherings, Nell always brought her famous potato salad or her coveted apricot tart.
Although she was extremely private and reserved in her later life during her years of chronic
illness, she didn’t complain and never wanted anyone to fuss over her. Nell quietly cared deeply
and was very proud of her family especially her cousin (Sissel), nephews (Jon and Glenn), great
niece (Brynn) and great nephews (Erik, Evan, Garrett and Gage).
Keeping with her wishes, there will be a simple memorial at Creator Lutheran Church in Bonney
Lake on April 20 th at 1pm. Friends and family are invited to join in this remembrance. A cookie
reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Remembrance of Nell Dalin to Sons of Norway, Normanna Hall at 1106 S 15th St, Tacoma, WA 98405.