Mary E. Underwood

Mary E. Underwood

Mary passed away peacefully in Seattle on June 5, 2015.

She loved every role she had in life - daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and now great-grandmother. Her passion for family and traditions was a constant her entire life.

A devoted Roman Catholic, she was a long-time parishioner of Christ the King and more recently St. Luke's in Shoreline.

Many organizations benefitted from her heartfelt appreciation of the fine arts and unwavering patriotism. She was a long-time guild member and season ticket holder of the Seattle Opera. During the opera season, you would see her working the merchandise counter as a volunteer. A firm advocate of the beauty and promise of America, she volunteered as an election poll worker helping people exercise their right to vote.

Born in Prelate, Saskatchewan, her parents emigrated to the United States. She was naturalized in the 40's full of dreams and ideas with a huge thirst for knowledge and new experiences. Throughout her life she was an avid traveller visiting most of the countries bordering on the Mediterranean Sea and spending time in Japan. As the wife of a Naval officer she lived abroad for periods of time in Italy and Guam.

She spent many years as an employee of the Federal Dept of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). An exemplary employee, she was honored in the 70's as the National HUD Clerk of the Year.

That year she was flown back to Washington DC for an official reception and recognition of her diligent efforts. Always desiring to add to her knowledge, she found time in her busy schedule to attend college classes that reflected her interests - art, philosophy, history.

A gentle loving woman, she will be greatly missed. She lives on in her family that remains behind - much loved daughter Candice Kohn and beloved son-in-law Kurtis; cherished Granddaughter Kelley Poier and wonderful husband Brandon; adored brothers Del, George, Don and Tom; treasured sisters Shar, Louise and Fran; countless nieces & nephews, grand nieces & grand nephews and a large extended family ranging from Canada to California. A true believer of the circle of life she would have been honored by the birth of her great grandson Connor on June 10th.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Luke's in Shoreline, 322 N 175th St, on June 17, 2015 at 11:00 am. Remembrances may be made in her name to the Seattle Opera or Catholic Community Services.