Obituary of Priscilla Tollenaar

Priscilla Ann Tollenaar died peacefully, November 9, 2013 at McKenzie-Willamette Hospital. She was born in Gresham, Oregon, December 1, 1930 to Florence and Maurice Botkin (she was delivered by her grandfather, Dr. A.W. Botkin). She attended several elementary schools and was an outstanding student. At age 12 she won an essay contest sponsored by a Portland power company and was given a week-long stay at a dude ranch near Joseph, Oregon – clearly one of the top highlights of her life. She attended Bend High School, won several honors, and was valedictorian of her graduating class. She then entered Willamette University, where she met and married David Card. After David received his law degree they moved to Klamath Falls, where they had 2 daughters. Tragically, David suffered a fatal heart attack in 1964 and Priscilla and the two girls moved back to Salem, where she completed her B.A. in Literature at Willamette and began working in the law school library. Earlier in her career she also worked in libraries in Bend and Salem, Oregon, and Oceanside California. In 1970 Priscilla married Ken Tollenaar, and they had 43 wonderful years together! While Priscilla was primarily a stay-at-home mom during this time, she also volunteered as a mentor, tutor, and library aide for the 4J School District. Priscilla was a voracious reader, often consuming two or three books a week. She loved ballet, music of all kinds, and crossword puzzles. She is survived by her husband Ken, of Springfield, her daughters Alison Kelly (George) of Eugene and Megan Pierce (Everett) of St. Helens, her step-sons David Tollenaar (Mabel) of Seattle, and Paul Tollenaar (Mardi) of Eugene, and step-daughter, Laura Tollenaar of Portland, eight grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. An open house will be held at her daughter Alison’s home in Eugene, November 16, 2 – 4 pm. In her memory, please make donations to the Greenhill Humane Society. Her family and the many whose lives she touched will sorely miss her. Arrangements entrusted to Musgrove Family Mortuary. Please access the obituary and you are invited to sign the guestbook at musgroves.com