Mary Rose Rade

Obituary Mary Rose Rade (Kink) passed away on Saturday, November 5, in Tacoma, after a brief illness. Mary was born and raised in Bellingham. By age 18, both of Mary's parents had died and she helped her older sister, Lucretia, raise the three other siblings. Mary married Nick Joseph Rade in November 1940 and moved to Tacoma a few years later. Mary spent her entire life as a homemaker, raising her two children and being a wonderful wife to Nick. Mary was a parishioner of Holy Rosary Catholic Church for over 50 years. Mary's husband died in September 1978. It was not easy for Mary to live life without her Nick, but she was determined to make it on her own. It was important for Mary to be able to live in her own home until her death. Mary was born on February 26, 1918 and remained in her home for over 57 years. Mary was very dedicated to raising her children and providing a good home for her family. Mary had quite a sense of humor and always had a joke or two to tell you. She was an avid Democrat, and never hesitated in speaking politics with anyone, including giving her own opinions. Mary is survived by her children Maria Johnson and Nick Rade, grandchildren Chris Jenks, Amber Waits and Jason Rade; great-grandchildren Hailey and Cameron Waits, sister and brother-in-law Sylvia and Chuck Davis, and numerous cousins, nephews and nieces. A special thanks to Becky Fisher, who was Mom's caregiver from Catholic Community Services. Becky came twice a week to assist Mom and they became very close. Mom always said how much she loved Becky. Becky was her close friend. Also, thanks to Claudia Whittles for the unconditional love she gave to Mom for over 30 years. Claudia was Mom's ex-daughter-in-law and was always kind, caring and attentive to Mom. She never forgot Mom's birthday, Christmas, etc., and would stop by and bring Mom baked goodies all the time. Mom loved Claudia very much. Her family will miss Mary. As for her health, the past 2-1/2 years were challenging for Mary and now she is at peace, reunited with Nick. Mary had been on Hospice for 6 weeks prior to her death. The family requests that, instead of flowers, donations be made to Franciscan Hospice, 2901 Bridgeport Way, University Place WA 98466. Hospice is a wonderful organization that helped Mary and her family tremendously during her final weeks of life. Thanks to Amber, Erin, Bernice, Nancy, Julie and everyone for their love and comforting care. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, November 9, 2005 11:00am at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 424 S. 30th St., Tacoma. The Rosary will be recited Tuesday, November 8, 2005 7:00pm at the Gaffney Funeral Home Chapel. Interment at Mt. View Cemetery. Please leave online condolences at www.gaffneyfuneralhome.com . Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003.