Pauline Rindal celebrates a century

POULSBO — The sun shone extra brightly on the shores of Liberty Bay Monday, where more than 60 people gathered at the Sons of Norway to honor one of Little Norway’s most beloved centenarians.

Long-time Poulsbo resident Pauline Rindal turned 100 years old Oct. 8. Surrounded by her children, grandchildren, friends and neighbors, she had plenty of company to help ring in the celebration.

Named by Councilman Ed Stern as a spokeswoman for the government’s centennial year beginning January 2008, Pauline Rindal said she’s seen a lot of changes throughout the town, “all for the best,” she added.

A native of Vashon Island, she first arrived in Poulsbo in 1932 with her husband, Bjarne Rindal, when he took over a small feed store from the Kitsap County Co-op. She has since watched the town turn from a quiet fishing village to a flourishing market of tourism and business, but despite the passing of years, she said she’s still feeling good, though making it to 100 is something that even surprises her.

“I can’t believe it,” she said.

But when it comes to keeping up her stamina, Rindal said the trick is to “just live every day.”

Her granddaughter, Alysson Bashey, said her grandmother goes mall walking every day of the week at the Kitsap Mall in Silverdale. Bridge, too, is a game she loves.

“She’s the most wonderful whistler,” added Rindal’s daughter-in-law, Carole Rindal, who said Pauline Rindal has also been involved in garden and library groups over the years.

Carole Rindal said her mother-in-law’s house was one always open to friends as she has long loved to entertain, and Bashey reminisced the many parties Rindal threw, “almost every day of the week.”

“She’s been a great mother-in-law and grandmother,” Carole Rindal said. “She’s just an outstanding person.”

Rindal’s grandson, Brent Rindal, said the event was a nice opportunity for the family to get together.

“It’s great,” he said.

Carole Rindal added that it is her mother-in-law who has kept her many kids, grandkids and even great grandkids close.

“We all gravitate around Pauline,” she said. “She keeps people together.”

Following in Rindal’s steps, the city government of Poulsbo will hold its all-day centennial kickoff event, followed by a wine-tasting that evening, Jan. 12 at the Sons of Norway.

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