Patricia Mary Murphy deCastongrene, 90, died peacefully on October 26 in Burien, Washington. Pat was born in Philadelphia on August 10, 1936, eldest child of Marie and Martin Murphy who came from County Mayo, Ireland. She grew up with her three brothers Marty, John, Michael, and her sister Jane. On February 7, 1959, Pat married her lifelong love Russell deCastongrene. Together they shared 67 years of marriage and raised five children, Russell, Michelle, Martin, Richard, and Peter. Over the years the family lived in New Jersey, Daytona Beach (FL), San Antonio, College Station, and Conroe, Texas. In 1985 Pat and Russ moved to Seattle, where Pat’s faith and compassion found a true home.
Before her marriage, she worked for General Electric at the Naval Base in Philadelphia, where she met Russ. After devoting herself to raising their children, she later returned to work part time with United Way as an information and referral specialist. Everywhere she lived, Pat found ways to serve, volunteering with disabled children, teaching catechism, and welcoming newcomers to her community. In Seattle, she became deeply involved at St. Bridget Church and later joined the staff of St. Francis Church at the invitation of Fathers Jim Lee and Phil Wallace. She led outreach efforts, organized prayer services, prepared meals for women in need at Hospitality House, made sandwiches for St. Martin Shelter and Lazarus House, served on the Peace and Justice League, and helped guide the parish’s 50+ Group. She was proud to be able to serve and bring help to many. After two years of training, Pat became a Cabrini Minister, bringing comfort, companionship, and the Eucharist to parishioners at their homes and in the hospital. Pat and Russ also volunteered with the United Service Organizations (USO) at the airport every other Sunday, welcoming military personnel and helping them feel at home.
Her warmth and kindness touched everyone she met and she will be remembered for her steady presence, her deep faith, and the care she gave so freely to family, friends, and community. She was preceded in death by her brothers Marty and Michael and her sister Jane. She is survived by her husband Russell, her beloved brother John, her five children and their spouses: Russell and Janet, Michelle and Lenny, Martin and Killi, Richard and Laurie, and Peter and Cathy along with their families, including grandchildren Molly, Monte, and Erin. In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer donations to one of the following charities: ALS Association, St. Vincent de Paul Society, St. Francis School, and the Crozier Society.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, November 17, at St. Francis of Assisi Church, Burien, with a reception to follow.
