Mary Doherty Yagle
October 15, 1921 - November 29, 2012
Obituary
Mary Doherty Yagle, aged 91, died peacefully at her Mercer Island home on Thursday, November 29th, 2012, with her family gathered at her side. She is survived by her sons and daughters: Thomas Yagle (La Neu), Ellen Yagle, Kevin Yagle (Dianne Botta), Elizabeth Yagle (Wayne Ainsworth), Matthew Yagle (Jenise Yagle), Joseph Yagle, Mary Yagle (Nathan Ellis); grandchildren: Nicole, Katherine, Ian, Brienne, Stephan, Madeline, Rosalind, and Owen; sisters Jane Reilly and Sarah Morris; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Joseph Yagle, and her brothers George Doherty and Brian Doherty.
Mary graduated at age fifteen from St. Leo’s high school in Tacoma, and with honors from Seattle College (now University), where she met Joe, her future husband. In addition to raising her seven children, Mary found the time to enjoy the arts, gardening, travel, and playing bridge. She also instilled in her children her love of reading. She had a quick Irish wit and never lost her sense of humor.
Mary was a devout Catholic, and she and Joe were founding members of St. Monica Catholic Church on Mercer Island. Mary’s life will be celebrated with a Funeral Mass on Friday, Dec. 7th, 2012 at 11:00 am at St. Monica, 4301 88th Ave SE. A reception will follow immediately at the St. Monica parish hall. Interment will be at Tahoma Nat’l Cemetery in Kent, WA, on Monday, Dec 10th. Please sign the guest book at www.bonneywatson.com.
I wish so much that I could be there with all of you right now, remembering Grandma and comforting one another. It’s hard to be on the other side of the planet, but know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.
I feel so blessed to have had such a wonderful grandmother; she was truly one of the kindest people in my life. I loved hearing stories about all the little kindnesses she showed to my father, aunts, and uncles when they were growing up; my dad told me once that when the children didn’t want to finish the food on their dinner plates but Grandpa Joe told them they had to, Grandma would find a way to sneak it back into the fridge when he wasn’t looking.
I will never forget taking walks with Grandma to the library to climb on the rabbit statue, the way that she always kept gum in the desk drawer and fruit roll-ups in the pantry for the grandkids, and Christmas at her house. She was always thoughtful and caring, never putting herself before anyone else. Several years back, my dad told me that whoever bought my grandparents’ house later on would probably knock it down and build a new house. This completely shocked me—I couldn’t understand why anyone would want to get rid of such a wonderful house. It took me years to accept that there was anything flawed about that house; it was too full of love and memories of family to be anything other than perfect in my mind. Grandma had put so much of her spirit and love into that house—she truly made it a space of comfort. Grandma was like this about everything in her life, making sure that those around her were content and comfortable, bringing light into their lives. She taught me to be kind to everyone, respectful and thoughtful in my actions, and grateful for what I have. But more than anything else, Grandma taught me about the importance of family. She may no longer be with us, but as long as we are together, she is still part of us.
I had Barton-Yagle clan memories flood me when I read about your Mom’s passing. I remember both of your folks very well — they were fun, sweet interactions for me. I know you will cherish their memories for a long time. Regardless of how old we are when our Mom dies — it really registers on a lot of levels!
God bless you all — sending my prayers and love —
JOY
Mary Yagle was a Class Act! May the angels be leading her into Paradise where her gentle soul finds joyful rest after her long earthly life of service. Mary’s home was filled with a loving atmosphere which spread like a blanket over her children. As her earthly life came to its close, that same loving atmosphere was intensified by her children’s dedicated care for her.I feel blessed to have known Mary and her brood, and to claim membership in the family.
So sorry to hear that your mother has passed … I worked with your Dad, Joe, at Boeing back in the ’80’s, and he often had kind and loving things to say about your mother and all of the family.
I was saddened to read about Mary in the paper yesterda. We were friends from The Mercer Island Garden Club that we had belonged to for many years. She was one of my most favorite friends and always thought of her with great love and respect because she was such a sweet and delightful lady. It is hard to believe that we are both 91 years old now. Since we moved to Bellevue I have not been able to attend any meetings of The Garden Club but miss all of my friends there.
Please give my regards to all of Mary’s wonderful family and children and many friends. With much love and prayers to all of Mary’s family. Dona Lander
Like Katherine, I’ve been struggling to come to terms with being on a different continent and needing so badly to be there with you all. And like Katherine, my thoughts have been with you and with Grandma.
The other day I was talking to a friend about family and Christmas and something conjured up vivid memories of one of my favorite Christmases–Christmas 1998, when my parents jetted off to Japan and left me in the care of Grandma, Grandpa, and a whole host of doting aunts and uncles. But the memories weren’t of specific events or presents or people. Instead I was suddenly hit by feelings of love and joy and safety. Those feelings centered around Grandma. Her presence enveloped the house with those feelings of protection and love. From summertime fudgesicles to fruit roll-ups to trips to the seaside, Grandma always took care of me, comforted me, loved me. To this day I can still hear her voice in my head calling me “dear” and laughing softly. There could never be any doubt in my mind that she loved us all fiercely; that has been a comforting thought over the last week while I’ve been dealing with the loss from afar. But as long as we love and remember her and are inspired by her, Grandma will live forever. I was so lucky to have her as a grandmother and I will miss her dearly.
Again, I wish so badly I could be there with you. I’ve sort of been at a loss for words over the past few weeks, but just know that I love and miss you all so much.
Thinking of all of you today. Your Mother was a wonderful person. She always had a smile and kind words to say.
She raised wonderful children who have grown to be good parents, good friends and she was proud of all of you, Me too.
I am so sorry for this great loss. I will always remember Aunt Mary with great fondness; I remember very vividly staying at the Mercer Island home as a young child on one of our trips west. May God bless her and you all during this difficult time.