Mary Margaret Nowakowski

08/09/1921 — 04/19/2007

From Richland, WA, US | Born in Manitowoc

Mary Margaret Nowakowski

Mary M. Nowakowski, resident of Richland since 1955, died April 19, 2007 at Hospice at the Chaplaincy. She was 85. Mary was born August 9, 1921 in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, only daughter of Robert L. and Margaret Grady Pritchard. Following graduation from Manitowoc's Lincoln High School in 1939, she attended Columbia Hospital School of Nursing in Milwaukee, graduating in 1942. In 1943, she married Ragnar F. Nowakowski Rags whom she had met in Kindergarten. At the time of his death on September 16, 2005, they had been married for 63 years.

They moved to Richland in 1955 when Rags took a job at the Tri-City Herald where he worked until 1965. In 1970 they moved to Washington D.C. where Mr. Nowakowski served as Administrative Assistant to Congressman Mike McCormack, then returned to their home in Richland.

Mary was a member of Christ the King Parish in Richland. She worked as an office nurse for several local doctors and volunteered with Red Cross for blood drives and at Christ the King Catholic School. She was active in the community, serving on the Parks Commission, a member of the JayCeettes, was active in the Democrat Party, the Friends of the Richland Library, and was instrumental in forming the Senior Tennis League in Richland. She also volunteered with the Girl Scouts and the Campfire Girls. She was a staunch advocate for a public transit system and Dial-a-Ride and served on the Community Action Committee.

A lover of nature, Mary was a passionate bird watcher. For more than 20 years she and Rags enjoyed outings at their cabin on Chinook Pass. Mary was a faithful correspondent with family and friends, both near and across the country. She continued friendships with her nursing school classmates, attending class reunions for many years. She maintained an active lifestyle for as long as she was able and was fondly referred to as a ''tough old bird'' by her son-in-law Darrell.

Mary is survived by her brother, John Pritchard, Milwaukee, Wisconsin; three daughters, Jean Moorman Darrell, of Finley; Renee Olson Dave, Oakley, CA and Marya Nowakowski, Enterprise, OR. She is also survived by 5 grandchildren, Daren Moorman, Curtis Moorman, B.Jay Perry, Colleen Marlow and Erin Kremer; and 5 great grandchildren; Matthew, Deven and Hunter Moorman, Chase Perry and Nathan McNeil. She will also be greatly missed by her many friends.

In addition to her husband, Mary was preceded in death by her parents, a brother Edward Buster Pritchard; a daughter, Dianne Perry and granddaughter Kim Perry.

Services will be at Christ the King Catholic Church in Richland on Monday, April 23 at 11:OO am. A reception will follow at the church. Inurnment service will be private. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Hospice at the Chaplaincy, 2108 W. Entiat Ave., Kennewick, WA 99336 where Mary and her family received excellent and compassionate care.

Express your thoughts and memories in the online guest book at www.einansfuneralhome.com or send condolences to the family in care of Jean Moorman, 216005 East Game Farm Road, Kennewick, WA 99337.

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Mary Margaret Nowakowski

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  • As the youngest of the family of Mary’s cousin, Mary Claire, I am around the ages of some of Mary’s grandchildren. I remember get-togethers at Great Aunt Margaret’s home when Mary, Rags, and at times, some of their children and grandchildren, visited. Later, as an adult, I used to enjoy the occasional luncheon with Mary, my mom, and other relatives when Mary visited Manitowoc. She had such a great way about her and always showed an interest in me and what I was doing. My mom cherishes their special friendship that spanned so many years. Mary will be missed.

    Sarah Mullins Griffiths
    November 4, 2014
    Green, Bay, WI, US
  • My name is jannie, i was mary’s caregiver and for four months she warmed my heart with kindness i think of her all the time .Mary was so sweet and loving i will miss her . my favorite time together was superbowl sunday we laughed so much that day. Mary i will miss u

    jannie
    November 4, 2014
    richland, WA, US
  • As the youngest of the family of Mary’s cousin, Mary Claire, I am around the ages of some of Mary’s grandchildren. I remember get-togethers at Great Aunt Margaret’s home when Mary, Rags, and at times, some of their children and grandchildren, visited. Later, as an adult, I used to enjoy the occasional luncheon with Mary, my mom, and other relatives when Mary visited Manitowoc. She had such a great way about her and always showed an interest in me and what I was doing. My mom cherishes their special friendship that spanned so many years. Mary will be missed.

    Sarah Mullins Griffiths
    November 4, 2014
    Green, Bay, WI, US
  • My name is jannie, i was mary’s caregiver and for four months she warmed my heart with kindness i think of her all the time .Mary was so sweet and loving i will miss her . my favorite time together was superbowl sunday we laughed so much that day. Mary i will miss u

    jannie
    November 4, 2014
    richland, WA, US
  • My dear Jeanne: I am sorry to hear of the loss of your great mother. She, and Rags, will be remembered in my prayers. I still have many memories.

    Love, Louise

    Louise M. Moyers
    November 4, 2014
    Riichland, WA, US
  • Jeanne, I’m so sorry for your loss. Both our moms and dads are up there keeping an eye on us now. I will miss stopping by 1205 to visit your folks whenever I’m in Richland.

    Love, Maren

    Maren Smyth
    November 4, 2014
    Gretna, LA, US
  • Though Mary and I didn’t see each other often, we corresponded. In recent years I sent Christmas fruitcake to Mary and Rags, made from Mary’s mother’s family’s recipe. I am descended from the same family. The first year, I sent a small loaf. In January I got a card from Mary: “Delicious! Next year, send a bigger loaf!” And “bigger loaf” was underlined! So I did! When I bake fruitcake at Christmas, I will always think of Mary. My thoughts and condolences are with Marya, Jean, Renee, and all the family. SUE

    Sue Mullins Witkin
    November 4, 2014
    Boulder, CO, US
  • For Mary: You will always be in my thoughts and prayers. I have many fond memories of our young years together as cousins in Manitowoc. Our mothers were sisters. And throughout our lives, your visits and correspondence always meant so much to me. I will miss you very much.

    Mary Claire

    Mary Claire Mullins
    November 4, 2014
    Manitowoc, WI, US
  • Hi Jeanne,Darrell, and Family, So sorry for the loss of your mom. Jim

    Jim Heidlebaugh
    November 4, 2014
    Las, Vegas, NV, US
  • Jeanne,

    I remember you from Catholic School. I am so sorry for your loss.

    Mercedes Willox Loiseau
    November 4, 2014
    Burbank, WA, US
  • It has been an honor knowing Mary and Rags for the past few years. Will really miss them coming to the Barbershop. Mary was such an easy going person. I remember one time while she was in the shop. A customer ahead of her was going on about the Pope marching across Europe killing Jews. When Mary got in my chair. I said “Mary I am so sorry you had to hear all of that” She just smiled and said thats ok. I have heard worse. Didn’t upset her or anything. So many things I admire about these wonderful people. They will be missed. She always had to pet Mac and Maggie and always ask how they were. Mac and Maggie are Boxers who come to the Barbershop.

    Wayne

    Wayne Sandifer
    November 4, 2014
    Richland, WA, US
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