Mrs. Irene Kathryn Bullard, age 94, died Oct. 18, 2016, in Everett, Wash. She was the widow of Malcolm Bullard who died 6½ years earlier after 67 years of marriage. Malcolm and Irene married in Raymond, Wash. on May 01, 1943. Together they owned and operated Bullard’s Variety Store in Montesano, Wash. from 1946 to 1970. Upon retirement they spent a dozen years traveling and enjoying visits with friends and family. In 1983 they sold their home in Montesano and split their time for the next 20 years between Olympia, Wash. and Bullhead City, Ariz.
She is survived by two daughters: Mrs. Valerie (Jerry) Littlefield of Seattle, Wash. and Mrs. Marsha (Craig) Schroeder of Lake Stevens, Wash., three grandchildren: Trevor Littlefield, Clark Schroeder, Mrs. Skye (Erik) Bredberg, four great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters: Mrs. Zosia (Eugene) Sivertson and Mrs. Betty (Robert) Rath. Irene loved her family fiercely and was generous and supportive to the end!
Irene was born in Raymond, Wash. on May 25, 1922, daughter of Michael James Nowogroski who came from Lithuania to America in 1902 and Stefania (Potaczek) Chihanski who came from Poland 4 years later.
Irene excelled in school academics, typing, and shorthand. She skipped a grade in grade school, won a scholarship for her freshman year at Winlock Catholic girls’ school, and graduated Valedictorian from Raymond High School in 1939. She attended Washington State University.
Irene was an active member of the Catholic Church. She enjoyed and was a keen master of Upwords, Rummikub, Bridge, Poker, and many other games. Irene had been a resident of Garden Court Retirement Community in South Everett for the past 12 years.
Irene was extremely independent and self-sufficient. She was a loving and loyal soul. Well-informed and interested in the world around her, she was very sociable and enjoyed theater, concerts and many activities. Irene will be greatly missed by her family and many friends!
A celebration of life event will be held at the Lake Stevens home of Marsha Schroeder on Memorial Day weekend 2017.
