Pauleen H. Ryan Mirante

Lovingly known as “Pow”

Born on Nov. 20, 1956 to Tom and Mora Ryan, in Seattle, Washington, Pow passed on Oct. 30, 2015 after a sudden illness at Harrison Hospital near her home in Bremerton.

She is predeceased by her parents and her sister Charleen.

Pow leaves behind her 8 children, 12 grandchildren and vast extended family:

John, and Tara Mirante and their three children

Jeff and Missy Mirante and their three children

Brian and Karyn Mirante and their two children

Amanda and Dan Varelia and their daughter

Andrea Mirante and her three children

Robert Mirante

Katie Mirante

Paul Mirante

Growing up Pow was the youngest daughter of a large Irish Catholic family. Her siblings included Tom, Colleen, Maureen, John, Charleen, Bob, Kathleen, Eileen, and Bill.

Charleen passed away in 2009 after a long fight with cancer. Pow cared for Char through her illness until her passing. They had a deep and loving bond; we know that Char was already waiting for Pow with open arms.

Pow also leaves behind many nephews, nieces, and cousins, as well as her only living uncle - Jack

Ryan of Chicago.

Pow graduated from Nathan Hale High School in Seattle in, as Pow might say, in “1970-something.”

Pow was married to Paul Mirante for 26 years. Together they had their eight children.

While married to Paul, Pow helped run their business, Emerald City Salmon Charters and simultaneously raised their children. As busy as she was, Pow was always available to babysit her nephews and nieces, all of whom she loved very much.

Over her lifetime Pow has resided in Seattle, Westport, Kent and Bremerton.

She was married to Steve Sadow, from whom she was later divorced.

Pow loved being a mother and grandmother above all.

For the last few years of her life, Pow lived in Bremerton where she was the head cashier at Lowes Home Improvement. She enjoyed meeting, interacting and helping people.

Another way that Pow enjoyed interacting with people was through her singing. Music was a huge part of her life, and her family and friends will always remember her gift of singing, as well as being a terrific cook.

Pow had a special devotion to The Blessed Mother Mary.

Three words that sum up her life - Sister, Mother and Grandmother.

In closing, here is a reflection written by Pow (Oct. 13, 2012)

I was standing outside one afternoon and there was a slight wind, I could feel it caress my face, I thought “wow…I can’t see the wind but I can feel it.” Just like God, I can’t see him and yet I feel him and know he is there. As I was standing there these words came to my mind. “Listen to the wind and you can hear me whisper.” I know God spoke softly to me.

~ Pauleen.