Boarded a Ship from Norway at Age 17
Jun 9, 1928 — Apr 24, 2018
Marie Larsen Abrahamsen, a resident of Belle Mead for 53 years, died on April 24 at home surrounded by family. Marie was born in Brooklyn, NY on June 9, 1928 to Albert Larsen and Kristine Kristiansen. She had one younger sister, Elsie Larsen Hansen. During the Great Depression Marie’s family returned to Norway, where she was raised in the town of Lista during World War II and the German military occupation. At the end of the war, Marie at age 17, boarded a ship to cross the Atlantic and return to Brooklyn in search of work.
The following year, Marie met the love of her life, a fellow Norwegian named Alf Abrahamsen. They married in 1949 and had two daughters, Doris and Carol. In 1965 the family left Brooklyn and made their home in Belle Mead. Alf had become a successful building contractor while Marie managed the accounting for his companies. They also began attending the newly formed Montgomery Evangelical Free Church in 1966 as one of the first families in the burgeoning congregation. Marie regularly attended bible studies and proudly served the vacation Bible school, The Friendship Center for Unwed Mothers, and knitted winter hats for the military. One of Marie’s strongest convictions was her philanthropic support of Christian charities. It was of great importance for her to support Christian organizations that help spread the gospel of Jesus Christ around the world. Marie had a passion for traveling that she shared with her husband, daughters, grandchildren, and her girlfriends. Her favorite destination was returning to her beloved country of Norway. She took great joy taking her grandchildren to see the sites and meet the relatives who shaped her childhood while growing up in Norway. Marie is survived by her daughter Doris Abrahamsen Tornquist and husband Rowan Tornquist; daughter Carol Abrahamsen Dineen and husband Tom Dineen; grandchildren Joshua, Matthew, Daniel, and Kristina Tornquist; and grandchildren Devan, Trevor, Dylan Dineen and his wife Kelly. A celebration of life for Marie was held at the Hillsborough Funeral Home. Donations in Marie’s memory may be sent to: Montgomery Evangelical Free Church, 246 Belle Mead Griggstown Rd, Belle Mead, NJ, 08502.
