Mary Rose Bollen

Beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Mary Rose Bollen, passed away on Sunday, August 21st. Despite many hardships, she always fought her way back to a place of joyfulness. She left behind a legacy of resilience, love and forgiveness. Mary will be greatly missed by all who were privileged to know her. Mary Rose was born in Covington, Kentucky on March 9th, 1927. She was raised largely by her grandparents, Phillip and Carrie Ernst. Her mother, Fay, was very young. Mary never knew her father. Because of her rosy complexion, she had the nickname Peaches. Mary moved many times during her young life: to New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, etc.-the family moved to where they could find work during the tough years of the depression. She came to Seattle at the age of 16, when her mother (whom we all affectionately called Honey) was able to care for her. Soon after that she met Raymond Bollen (at a craps game!), and they fell deeply in love. They were separated for several years: Ray went into the service, and fished in Alaska, but they were reunited and married when they both were 21. As a young family, they lived in Ballard, then Shoreline. In later years, they lived near Martha Lake in Lynnwood, and in other areas nearby. Marys final home was at Aldercrest Health and Rehabilitation Center in Edmonds. Mary had many jobs, at stores, banks and selling Avon. But the biggest joy came from raising her four children. She always said caring for her family was her life purpose. Over the years, she opened her heart and home to many people. They all benefited from her steadfast compassion. Mary strongly believed in the life-long learning. When she was in her 50s Mary went back to school and received her GED. She leaves behind her loving husband, Raymond Hugh Bollen; four loving children and their spouses: Alan William (and Colleen), Constance Lee (and Michael), Raymond Phillip (and Karen) and James Matthew (and Brenda); 7 grandchildren: Dawn (and Kevin), Melissa, Matt (and Destinie), Spencer, Nichole, Christina (and Nigel), and Jay; and 7 great-grandchildren: Tionna, Michael, James, Jada, Sydney, Emmonie and Ryan. Mary had an amazing group of long-time friends who were a great source of love and support throughout her life as well. Family and friends are welcome to honor Mary in their own way. Some of us shall be attending a regular mass at Holy Rosary Catholic Church (630 7th Ave N. Edmonds, WA 98020) in which Marys memory will be honored. This will be on Sunday September 4th at 11am. All are invited to join us for the WAKE to celebrate Marys life if you are able. The invitation follows. When we asked Mary some time back what she wanted after her death, she said a party. This is what she really wanted. Accordingly, we shall be hosting a WAKE to honor Mary Bollens memory on Saturday September 10th, starting at 2pm in the afternoon, at our home in Ballard: 7033 Earl Ave NW, Seattle, 98117 206 783-7420 It shall be on the accessible ground floor. Well have food, drink and pictures of Mary. Toasts and stories about her life will be very welcome. We hope you can attend. Please feel free to pass this on to others who knew her. We know she touched so many lives. We are filled with sadness at her passing, but also with joy that she has been released from pain. PS. If you are unable to attened the wake, but would like to send a shared memory of Mary to this website, we will read them at the wake. Thank you. Announcement: If you are unable to attened the wake, but would like to send a shared memory of Mary to this website, we will read them at the wake. Thank you. clear=all /