Obituary: Pearl Leona Sellin, Hood River

Pearl Leona Sellin passed away at her home at Huntington Terrace in Gresham, Oregon on May 3, 2022, and was 95 years old at the time of her passing. Pearl was born August 5, 1926, in Hillsboro, North Dakota to Melvin and Clara Gronsdahl. She had an older sister Lenora Nockleby and a younger brother Gayle Gronsdahl. 

In 1943 at the age of 17 Pearl and a girlfriend moved to Portland, OR to work in the shipyards as a welder. Her mother became ill in 1945 and Pearl, known as “Tiny” at the time, returned to Minnesota to help at home. There she worked as a switchboard operator for the phone company. 

It was in Minnesota that she met a young sailor named Virgil Sellin, who she married on March 4, 1947. Together they had a daughter named Vicki and three years later they moved to Hood River, Oregon where several of her family members already lived. In 1952 Pearl delivered her second daughter Patti Campbell. She was a stay-at-home mom but not a bored one. She enjoyed carpentry and was a very accomplished handyman. She taught 4-H classes, drove the girls and their horses to events. She was a loving mother and aunt to 4 nephews and 4 nieces.

Pearl’s marriage ended on May 25, 1974. She found a job at Paris Fair as a clerk. She loved it and was able to exercise her creativity and sense of style by decorating the windows and going on buying trips for the store in Portland. She really enjoyed the job and her coworkers. She retired when the store closed. 

Pearl had many interests and was always learning new things like quilting, weaving, painting, pottery, and even belly dancing. She loved camping and traveling on cruises with her friends and even made it to Florence, Italy, a lifetime dream. 

She will be remembered by those who knew her as adventurous, independent and very loving.

A Graveside Service for Pearl will be held at 1:00p.m., Monday, May 23rd, 2022 at Idlewilde Cemetery (980 Tucker Rd, Hood River, OR 97031). Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center (Funerals • Receptions • Cremations) 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon  97031.  Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.