Margaret Igoe Gri

Margaret Igoe Gri passed away in Bellevue on the afternoon of July 4, 2015 in the company of her children and grandchildren. She was 92.

Margaret Igoe was born to Ellen and William Igoe in Ballymore Eustace, County Kildare, Ireland, on June 18, 1923, the sixth of fourteen children. She served in Intelligence for the British Army during WWII, after which she met her future husband, Wallace Gri (d. May 17, 2009) in post-war Europe. They were married on September 18, 1946 in Ballymore Eustace, living briefly in Belgium before moving to San Carlos, California and finally settling in the Woodridge neighborhood of Bellevue in 1961. It was here that they raised their four children, Paul, Deirdre, Maureen, and Daniel.

Margaret will be remembered by those who knew her for her loving, adventurous, and open-minded nature. She was a dedicated mother to her four children, and a devoted Catholic at her local parish. She took great joy in and demonstrated talent for a myriad of activities, sharing her skills with others through teaching classes in both Bridge and ballroom dancing. She loved nature, enjoying especially the trails around Mt. Rainier.

In 1983, at the age of 60, Margaret earned her degree in Computer Programming, working in IT for Safeco until her retirement at the age of 65. Following their retirement, Margaret and Wally continued to serve their community, support and dote upon their six grandchildren, and travel the world. Margaret especially enjoyed Australia, New Zealand, Portugal, and France.

Margaret is survived by three of her siblings, Brigid Ayers, of Auburn, CA; Jimmy Igoe, of Kildare, Ireland; and Pauline Igoe, of Tacoma; her four children, Paul Gri, of Bellevue; Deirdre Daigle, of West Seattle; Maureen Newman, of Bellevue; and Daniel Gri, of Oakton, VA; and her six grandchildren, Christie, Amanda, Kate, Natalie, Caleb, and Alfred.

A memorial mass will be held at Margaret’s parish, St. Madeline Sophie, in Bellevue on Friday, August 14 at 11:30am. Reception to follow.