Mary Patricia Valentine

Mary Patricia Valentine was embraced by the Lord on November 23, 2016, after a short battle with cancer, with her five children in her home beside her. Mary Egan was born on March 23, 1935, in Klamath Falls, Oregon, and grew up on the Weyerhaeuser Townsite. She was a graduate of the University of Oregon and met her husband, Del Valentine, in Seattle. Mary and Del headed to Kodiak, AK as newlyweds in 1960, and continued to venture all over Alaska until Dels retirement in 1997. Mary was gregarious! She lived her life to its fullest and there was never a dull moment in her day. Mary could accomplish in one day what if would take most people a week! Her passions included ikebana and playing bridge. She was a social member of the Fircrest Golf Club where you could find her playing bridge many days of the week; she was in charge of several different bridge groups. She was also a veracious reader, organized a monthly book club, and thrived on keeping her mind sharp. She traveled extensively, seeing most of the world, and also enjoyed local excursions around the PNW. Mary loved the Arts and had season tickets to TMP, TLT, Tacoma Symphony, TLP, and the Opera. Nothing gave Mary more joy, however, than entertaining her friends and family at her home; and nobody made it look easier! Whether it was a bridge luncheon for four, or holiday feast, she elevated the task of table setting and meal preparation to a fine art. Mary was selfless. She was a true example of generosity with her time, talents, and gifts to all who knew her. She will be well remembered for her annual Christmas poem, Presidential ornaments, homemade jam, yard (over 100 plants on the deck alone!), visiting ill/elderly friends, sending a birthday card, organizing and making schedules for her many clubs, and cooking. Her soul was filled with gratitude and thanksgiving. These past two months have been a true testimony of how Mary lived her life with the outpouring of love from her family and many friends. Her home has been grand central station with calls, cards, meals, flowers, and visits. She felt very overwhelmed and blessed. Thank you all! Mary is survived by her sister Ann Waltz, five children: Bill, John, Ann, Mike, and seven grandchildren: Christopher, Katherine, Michael, Taylor, Scott, Sabrina, & Savannah; and surrogate dog, Molly! After Dels passing, Mary was able to stay in her home for ten years until the day she died, thanks to her son, Mike, for his help with house maintenance. Her family cherishes treasured time together, especially playing cards with her in the kitchen, in which she remains the reigning champ at Quiddler. We all miss our best friend and companion. Mary's Catholic faith was her strength. Her funeral will be held at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church on Monday, December 5th, at 11:00 AM, followed by a reception. Donations can be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Helping Hands Donor Closet or msgive.org.