North Central Washington pioneer, Marjorie (Pattie) McGrath, 90, died Dec. 6, 2002. Marjorie, second-born daughter of Washington Territorial pioneer homesteaders, James Pattie and Kate Wolford Pattie, was born in Spokane Feb. 17, 1912. Her childhood years were spent on her parents' cattle ranch in Douglas County within sight of the Cascade Mountains and the Columbia River. From her early years, it was apparent she was a gifted artist, and she was encouraged to pursue this interest by her parents.
Marjorie began her formal education at the age of five, accompanying her mother who taught at Enterprise, a one-room school in Douglas County. Marjorie's vivid memories of this exciting experience are related in "Enterprise School: The Teacher's Kid," a chapter in a book she would write some 60 years later. She also attended Howard and Mud Springs schools, graduating from Waterville High School, class of 1929.
Following in the footsteps of her grandmother, Sarah Alexander Wolford, mother Kate, Aunt Fannie, and sister Frances, Marjorie, too, set out to become a teacher, attending both Cheney and Bellingham Normal Schools.
On Aug. 6, 1932, Marjorie married her high school sweetheart, Verdelle "Mac" McGrath, son of Jack and Estella Weir McGrath, of Foster Creek. The young couple's first home was in Wenatchee, where Verdelle, a newly-licensed pharmacist worked for several drug stores during the depression. In 1937, during the construction of Grand Coulee Dam, the couple moved to Grand Coulee where Verdelle managed the Continental Drug. After moving to Omak, the couple purchased the Owl Drug in 1939.
Two sons, Don and Mikael "Mick," were born, and the family lived in Omak until 1957, when they purchased a drug store in Wilbur, which they called McGrath Drug. Marjorie returned to teaching in 1956 and resumed course work toward the completion of a B.A. degree in Education, Art, and Social Studies at Eastern Washington State University, graduating in 1963. She taught in numerous area schools including Riverside, Wilbur, and Almira until her retirement in 1970.
Preserving and sharing the history of her family and pioneer life in Douglas County, another of Marjorie's enthusiasms lead to the creation of an enduring legacy. With the encouragement and support of Verdelle, Marjorie authored three books on pioneer history of the area, "Pioneer in Pigtails," "Mansfield: "The Town at the End of the Rails" (co-authored with Helen Jayne), and "Country Schools: Douglas County." The Mansfield Museum and Historical Society presented the Annual Award of Merit for 2001 to Marjorie in recognition of her service in collecting and preserving area history.
After selling McGrath Drug in 1978, Marjorie and "Mac" moved to Brewster. For a number of years, they maintained a second home in Apache Junction, AZ. The couple celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary in 1992, moving to Wenatchee in 1996.
Marjorie enjoyed boating, traveling, picnics, visits with her family, and recording scenes through her watercolor paintings. For nearly 55 years, Marjorie created one-of-a-kind Christmas Cards, illustrated with photographs, drawings, and original verses. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
In addition to educational organizations, she was a member of the Wilbur Lutheran Church and a 50-year member of the Order of the Eastern Star.
Survivors include her son, Donald, and daughter-in-law, Beverly of East Wenatchee; daughter-in-law, Kay, of Monroe; grandsons, Todd, of Bothell, and Ryan, of Monroe; great granddaughter, Aleysa, of Bothell; nephew, Leroy Thomsen, of Mansfield; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
Marjorie was preceded in death by her parents, James and Kate Pattie; loving husband, Verdelle; son, Mikael "Mick"; sister and brother-in-law, Frances and Velmor Thomsen; and nephew, John James "Jim" Thomsen.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in her name to the Wilbur School District (Wilbur High School Scholarship Fund), Box 1090, Wilbur, WA 99185, or the Douglas County Historical Society, P.O. Box 63, Waterville, WA 98858.
Graveside services for Marjorie (Pattie) McGrath will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Dec. 13, 2002, at the Mansfield Cemetery with arrangements by the Waterville Funeral Home.
Obit provided by Teresa
Marjorie began her formal education at the age of five, accompanying her mother who taught at Enterprise, a one-room school in Douglas County. Marjorie's vivid memories of this exciting experience are related in "Enterprise School: The Teacher's Kid," a chapter in a book she would write some 60 years later. She also attended Howard and Mud Springs schools, graduating from Waterville High School, class of 1929.
Following in the footsteps of her grandmother, Sarah Alexander Wolford, mother Kate, Aunt Fannie, and sister Frances, Marjorie, too, set out to become a teacher, attending both Cheney and Bellingham Normal Schools.
On Aug. 6, 1932, Marjorie married her high school sweetheart, Verdelle "Mac" McGrath, son of Jack and Estella Weir McGrath, of Foster Creek. The young couple's first home was in Wenatchee, where Verdelle, a newly-licensed pharmacist worked for several drug stores during the depression. In 1937, during the construction of Grand Coulee Dam, the couple moved to Grand Coulee where Verdelle managed the Continental Drug. After moving to Omak, the couple purchased the Owl Drug in 1939.
Two sons, Don and Mikael "Mick," were born, and the family lived in Omak until 1957, when they purchased a drug store in Wilbur, which they called McGrath Drug. Marjorie returned to teaching in 1956 and resumed course work toward the completion of a B.A. degree in Education, Art, and Social Studies at Eastern Washington State University, graduating in 1963. She taught in numerous area schools including Riverside, Wilbur, and Almira until her retirement in 1970.
Preserving and sharing the history of her family and pioneer life in Douglas County, another of Marjorie's enthusiasms lead to the creation of an enduring legacy. With the encouragement and support of Verdelle, Marjorie authored three books on pioneer history of the area, "Pioneer in Pigtails," "Mansfield: "The Town at the End of the Rails" (co-authored with Helen Jayne), and "Country Schools: Douglas County." The Mansfield Museum and Historical Society presented the Annual Award of Merit for 2001 to Marjorie in recognition of her service in collecting and preserving area history.
After selling McGrath Drug in 1978, Marjorie and "Mac" moved to Brewster. For a number of years, they maintained a second home in Apache Junction, AZ. The couple celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary in 1992, moving to Wenatchee in 1996.
Marjorie enjoyed boating, traveling, picnics, visits with her family, and recording scenes through her watercolor paintings. For nearly 55 years, Marjorie created one-of-a-kind Christmas Cards, illustrated with photographs, drawings, and original verses. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
In addition to educational organizations, she was a member of the Wilbur Lutheran Church and a 50-year member of the Order of the Eastern Star.
Survivors include her son, Donald, and daughter-in-law, Beverly of East Wenatchee; daughter-in-law, Kay, of Monroe; grandsons, Todd, of Bothell, and Ryan, of Monroe; great granddaughter, Aleysa, of Bothell; nephew, Leroy Thomsen, of Mansfield; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
Marjorie was preceded in death by her parents, James and Kate Pattie; loving husband, Verdelle; son, Mikael "Mick"; sister and brother-in-law, Frances and Velmor Thomsen; and nephew, John James "Jim" Thomsen.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in her name to the Wilbur School District (Wilbur High School Scholarship Fund), Box 1090, Wilbur, WA 99185, or the Douglas County Historical Society, P.O. Box 63, Waterville, WA 98858.
Graveside services for Marjorie (Pattie) McGrath will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Dec. 13, 2002, at the Mansfield Cemetery with arrangements by the Waterville Funeral Home.
Obit provided by Teresa
North Central Washington pioneer, Marjorie (Pattie) McGrath, 90, died Dec. 6, 2002. Marjorie, second-born daughter of Washington Territorial pioneer homesteaders, James Pattie and Kate Wolford Pattie, was born in Spokane Feb. 17, 1912. Her childhood years were spent on her parents' cattle ranch in Douglas County within sight of the Cascade Mountains and the Columbia River. From her early years, it was apparent she was a gifted artist, and she was encouraged to pursue this interest by her parents.
Marjorie began her formal education at the age of five, accompanying her mother who taught at Enterprise, a one-room school in Douglas County. Marjorie's vivid memories of this exciting experience are related in "Enterprise School: The Teacher's Kid," a chapter in a book she would write some 60 years later. She also attended Howard and Mud Springs schools, graduating from Waterville High School, class of 1929.
Following in the footsteps of her grandmother, Sarah Alexander Wolford, mother Kate, Aunt Fannie, and sister Frances, Marjorie, too, set out to become a teacher, attending both Cheney and Bellingham Normal Schools.
On Aug. 6, 1932, Marjorie married her high school sweetheart, Verdelle "Mac" McGrath, son of Jack and Estella Weir McGrath, of Foster Creek. The young couple's first home was in Wenatchee, where Verdelle, a newly-licensed pharmacist worked for several drug stores during the depression. In 1937, during the construction of Grand Coulee Dam, the couple moved to Grand Coulee where Verdelle managed the Continental Drug. After moving to Omak, the couple purchased the Owl Drug in 1939.
Two sons, Don and Mikael "Mick," were born, and the family lived in Omak until 1957, when they purchased a drug store in Wilbur, which they called McGrath Drug. Marjorie returned to teaching in 1956 and resumed course work toward the completion of a B.A. degree in Education, Art, and Social Studies at Eastern Washington State University, graduating in 1963. She taught in numerous area schools including Riverside, Wilbur, and Almira until her retirement in 1970.
Preserving and sharing the history of her family and pioneer life in Douglas County, another of Marjorie's enthusiasms lead to the creation of an enduring legacy. With the encouragement and support of Verdelle, Marjorie authored three books on pioneer history of the area, "Pioneer in Pigtails," "Mansfield: "The Town at the End of the Rails" (co-authored with Helen Jayne), and "Country Schools: Douglas County." The Mansfield Museum and Historical Society presented the Annual Award of Merit for 2001 to Marjorie in recognition of her service in collecting and preserving area history.
After selling McGrath Drug in 1978, Marjorie and "Mac" moved to Brewster. For a number of years, they maintained a second home in Apache Junction, AZ. The couple celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary in 1992, moving to Wenatchee in 1996.
Marjorie enjoyed boating, traveling, picnics, visits with her family, and recording scenes through her watercolor paintings. For nearly 55 years, Marjorie created one-of-a-kind Christmas Cards, illustrated with photographs, drawings, and original verses. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
In addition to educational organizations, she was a member of the Wilbur Lutheran Church and a 50-year member of the Order of the Eastern Star.
Survivors include her son, Donald, and daughter-in-law, Beverly of East Wenatchee; daughter-in-law, Kay, of Monroe; grandsons, Todd, of Bothell, and Ryan, of Monroe; great granddaughter, Aleysa, of Bothell; nephew, Leroy Thomsen, of Mansfield; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
Marjorie was preceded in death by her parents, James and Kate Pattie; loving husband, Verdelle; son, Mikael "Mick"; sister and brother-in-law, Frances and Velmor Thomsen; and nephew, John James "Jim" Thomsen.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in her name to the Wilbur School District (Wilbur High School Scholarship Fund), Box 1090, Wilbur, WA 99185, or the Douglas County Historical Society, P.O. Box 63, Waterville, WA 98858.
Graveside services for Marjorie (Pattie) McGrath will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Dec. 13, 2002, at the Mansfield Cemetery with arrangements by the Waterville Funeral Home.
Obit provided by Teresa
Marjorie began her formal education at the age of five, accompanying her mother who taught at Enterprise, a one-room school in Douglas County. Marjorie's vivid memories of this exciting experience are related in "Enterprise School: The Teacher's Kid," a chapter in a book she would write some 60 years later. She also attended Howard and Mud Springs schools, graduating from Waterville High School, class of 1929.
Following in the footsteps of her grandmother, Sarah Alexander Wolford, mother Kate, Aunt Fannie, and sister Frances, Marjorie, too, set out to become a teacher, attending both Cheney and Bellingham Normal Schools.
On Aug. 6, 1932, Marjorie married her high school sweetheart, Verdelle "Mac" McGrath, son of Jack and Estella Weir McGrath, of Foster Creek. The young couple's first home was in Wenatchee, where Verdelle, a newly-licensed pharmacist worked for several drug stores during the depression. In 1937, during the construction of Grand Coulee Dam, the couple moved to Grand Coulee where Verdelle managed the Continental Drug. After moving to Omak, the couple purchased the Owl Drug in 1939.
Two sons, Don and Mikael "Mick," were born, and the family lived in Omak until 1957, when they purchased a drug store in Wilbur, which they called McGrath Drug. Marjorie returned to teaching in 1956 and resumed course work toward the completion of a B.A. degree in Education, Art, and Social Studies at Eastern Washington State University, graduating in 1963. She taught in numerous area schools including Riverside, Wilbur, and Almira until her retirement in 1970.
Preserving and sharing the history of her family and pioneer life in Douglas County, another of Marjorie's enthusiasms lead to the creation of an enduring legacy. With the encouragement and support of Verdelle, Marjorie authored three books on pioneer history of the area, "Pioneer in Pigtails," "Mansfield: "The Town at the End of the Rails" (co-authored with Helen Jayne), and "Country Schools: Douglas County." The Mansfield Museum and Historical Society presented the Annual Award of Merit for 2001 to Marjorie in recognition of her service in collecting and preserving area history.
After selling McGrath Drug in 1978, Marjorie and "Mac" moved to Brewster. For a number of years, they maintained a second home in Apache Junction, AZ. The couple celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary in 1992, moving to Wenatchee in 1996.
Marjorie enjoyed boating, traveling, picnics, visits with her family, and recording scenes through her watercolor paintings. For nearly 55 years, Marjorie created one-of-a-kind Christmas Cards, illustrated with photographs, drawings, and original verses. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
In addition to educational organizations, she was a member of the Wilbur Lutheran Church and a 50-year member of the Order of the Eastern Star.
Survivors include her son, Donald, and daughter-in-law, Beverly of East Wenatchee; daughter-in-law, Kay, of Monroe; grandsons, Todd, of Bothell, and Ryan, of Monroe; great granddaughter, Aleysa, of Bothell; nephew, Leroy Thomsen, of Mansfield; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
Marjorie was preceded in death by her parents, James and Kate Pattie; loving husband, Verdelle; son, Mikael "Mick"; sister and brother-in-law, Frances and Velmor Thomsen; and nephew, John James "Jim" Thomsen.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in her name to the Wilbur School District (Wilbur High School Scholarship Fund), Box 1090, Wilbur, WA 99185, or the Douglas County Historical Society, P.O. Box 63, Waterville, WA 98858.
Graveside services for Marjorie (Pattie) McGrath will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Dec. 13, 2002, at the Mansfield Cemetery with arrangements by the Waterville Funeral Home.
Obit provided by Teresa
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Married Verdelle August 6, 1932
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