Donna Irene Price

Donna Price, born Donna Irene Carrigan on October 24, 1920, passed away peacefully on May 14, 2012. She was 91, but claimed to be 101. Surviving fourteen years beyond her husband, she was feisty and active to the very end. She had said the day before that she was so glad to have lived to enjoy another Mother's Day. She left this world for the next the way she would have wanted, gardening in the backyard of her home of 65 years. Always in good health, other than a fall from the top of a 6 foot ladder while gardening a few years ago, and a fall down the stairs, both leading to some broken bones, 91 good years and gone in a moment.

Donna grew up in Greenwood with her parents, Alex and Irene, brothers Jack and Ed, and sister Jean. She attended Ballard High School. Her father, and later her brother Jack, owned Carrigan Hardware in Greenwood. Donna managed the books for the hardware store when she wasn't out front helping the customers. She later tried her hand at waitressing at the Sweet Shop at Northgate, which she really enjoyed. She loved to roller skate when she was young, her nickname was "Swish". She met her husband, Howard Price, at the skating rink. A friend said that she was going to ask that "cute sailor" to skate during the next ladies choice. Mom said that if she did, she would cut in. She did, looked up at Howard and said "What are you grinning about?" He said "I've had my eye on you!". And here we are. He was stationed in Corvalis, Oregon when he was in the Shore Patrol. He wrote her and said that "This is a college town, if you want me, you'd better come and get me." She was there the next day with luggage that already had the initials DIP. With never a harsh word between them, they were married for 53 years, until Howard's passing in 1998. They raised 3 children. Active in sports, she loved to ski, bowl, play tennis, golf, softball and pickle ball. She had a terrific circle of friends and loved weekend getaways with them boating in the San Juan Islands, vacationing at Lake Chelan and the occasional party.

Donna is survived by her sons Stan and Steve, Steve’s wife Amy, six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Their first born son passed away shortly after birth, and daughter Donnajean passed away in 1978.

All she told us to put in her obituary was "It's been great! I'm out of here. See you!" We got carried away, but there it is.

She liked this poem:

“If tears could build a stairway, and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.”

Called back… In thee have I put my trust

A remembrance and celebration of her life will be held at Mia Roma Restaurant, 7620 NE Bothell Way, Kenmore, Wa. on Saturday, June 30th from 4-6 pm. Bring only your treasured memories.