Patricia J. Enge

Patricia Jean Enge, 81, quickly and painlessly passed away in Edmonds, March 30, 2010, surrounded by her loving family. Pat was born and raised in Buffalo, N.Y. on November 21, 1928 to Leo and Melva Robinson. She graduated high school in 1946.

Pat left home during the Korean War to join the U.S. Navy in 1950. She graduated in the Navy’s first woman’s class to be trained as a Communications Technician, becoming one of our country’s first WAVES to hold that position. While stationed in Washington D.C., she met and worked with Elwood Enge. Pat quickly asked him on a date. They fell in love and were married on June 5, 1954. When they were discharged from the Navy five months later, Pat and Elwood jumped into their car and left to start a family on the West Coast, reaching their first home on Puget Island with 75 cents in their pockets and a quarter tank of gas in the car. They soon moved to the Mountlake Terrace area and have lived their for close to 54 years.

Pat worked as a Social Worker (DSHS) for the State of Washington for 22 years, while raising their three children. She retired in 1994, bringing her newly born granddaughter in on her last day of work and announced that she was looking forward to spending a lot of time with her. She and Elwood loved to travel in their RV with their dear friends Dick and Beverly Russell. They also enjoyed boating and family time. Pat was an avid lover of her pets.

As Mom goes to be with the Lord and Blessed Mother, imagine her turning around with her warm Irish smile and saying, Love-You, Love-You, Love-You.

She is survived by her husband, Elwood; a son, Steven Enge (Karina); two daughters, Jean Enge and Elaine DeJohn (Charles); a granddaughter Sarah DeJohn; her sister, Lucille Wagner and her family in Tucson, Ariz .; and several nieces and nephews.

Pat was a member of St. Pius X Catholic Church in Mountlake Terrace, where a Memorial Mass was held on Wednesday, April 7, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. A burial with military honors will take place at Greenwood Cemetery in Cathlamet, Friday, April 9, 2010 at noon.

Dowling Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.