Virginia Moore Castle

A longtime Mercer Island resident, Virginia Castle left us on Sept. 12, 2007.

Virginia was born in Moore Township in Sanilac County, Mich., on Feb. 4, 1921, to Wildman and Martha Mabel Moore. She was the youngest of four, growing up with three doting brothers. She graduated from Mt. Morris High School in Mt. Morris, Mich., where she shined as a young actress, playing major roles in several plays.

She attended both the University of Michigan and University of Washington. While at the University of Michigan, Virginia met the love of her life, V. George Castle.

They married in 1942 and lived in Pensacola, FL and Seattle, Wash., during World War II and later settled in Boise, Idaho, then Spokane, Wash., and finally to Mercer Island, Wash., where she lived for 47 years.

She loved her family, friends, gardening, travel and entertaining.

Her sense of adventure led her to marry a Navy pilot, run a sawmill, and take her five young children to a wilderness cabin in North Idaho accessible only by boat.

She was an avid alpine skier which she continued until the age of 84 and had spent the last 25 years living at Schweitzer during the winter months.

Virginia's understated manner, wisdom, love and kindness touched everyone she met.

She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend and she set an exemplary example through her generosity, spirit and deep faith.

She is survived by her husband of 65 years V. George Castle; children Martha Anne (Marti) Castle-Bickford (Willard), R. Christina (Chris) Eng (Hunter), George, Thomas (Mary Goodfellow) and Elizabeth (Libby) Wotipka (Dick); grandchildren Brandy Castle Kerr, Laura, Elissa and Wylie Eng, Jake, Nicholas and Matthew Wotipka and Cordelia Bickford; her older brother Samuel, age 98; many nieces and nephews; and all of those who she took in and treated as her own.

Virginia will be missed by all of those she touched.

Viewing will be held on Thursday, Sept. 20, 2007, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Bonney Watson Funeral Home in Seattle and a celebration of her life at the Covenant Church on Mercer Island, on Saturday Sept. 22 at 1 p.m. with a reception following.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made to the Marcia Rivkin Ovarian Cancer Research Center, 1221 Madison St. No. 1401, Seattle, WA 98104.

Arrangements by Bonney Watson. Please sign the online memorial at www.bonneywatson.com.