Florence Marie (Gilbert) Pressentin, Retired United States Postmaster and 50 year resident of the Skagit Valley, died on January 22, 2011 in Seattle, Washington, just two weeks short of her 90th birthday.
Florence was born to Theodore F. and Marie (Geng) Gilbert on February 6, 1921 in Mineral, Washington. Florence grew up in Chehalis, Washington and graduated from Chehalis High School in 1939. She attended Seattle University and graduated with a BSN in Nursing in 1947.
In 1948, she married Martin A. Pressentin, son of Edward V. and Elizabeth (Martin) Pressentin, two prominent Upper Skagit Valley pioneer families. They settled in Rockport to run the family store, where they built a home, and raised their three daughters, Denise, Lea, and Marce.
Florence was a devoted daughter, a cherished wife, and a loving mother. She served the community in various roles as a nurse, a U.S. Postmaster in both Rockport and Concrete, a President of the San Juan Girl Scout Council, a co-founder of Aero-Skagit Emergency Services and a dedicated volunteer and parishioner of St. Catherine’s Mission Catholic Church.
As a Registered Nurse, she worked at Providence Hospital in Seattle, United General Hospital in Sedro-Woolley, and at the Concrete Clinic. Logging accidents and emergency health care situations found their way to Florence’s door step, as well as the garden variety scrapes and cuts of banged up kids who found her at the post office.
Florence worked for the U.S. Postal Service for 27 years beginning in Rockport in 1962 as a postal clerk. She served a total of 23 years as U.S. Postmaster, with 14 years in Rockport from 1966 to 1980 and then 9 years until 1989 in Concrete where she retired at age 68. She loved working in the heart center of both communities and made lasting friendships, not only in the community, but also with staff and other Postmasters.
Florence was an advocate for young girls and women, encouraging them to explore and follow their dreams. She started the Girls Scouts in Rockport, helped grow the organization in the Valley, and served as President of the San Juan Girl Scout Council. She was a role model to women and was proud that through her mentoring, three women moved ahead in their careers to become U.S. Postmasters.
Florence and the late William G. Monzingo, MD, co-founded Aero-Skagit Emergency services in 1974, answering the Upper Valley’s need for emergency care. Aero-Skagit Emergency Services is flourishing as a vital emergency resource for the Upper Skagit Community.
Her Catholic faith and St. Catherine’s Mission were of paramount importance to her. She was actively involved in the life of St. Catherine’s as a parishioner, volunteer, and leader. She collaborated with the building and design of the CCD Center at Concrete, and was instrumental in saving its stately pine tree. She served as Altar Society President and was in charge of catered events at St. Catherine’s CCD Center.
Florence was a vibrant beauty with an engaging smile that she shared easily with everyone. With her style, sharp intellect, and quick wit, she left a lasting impression with those she met. She was a force to be reckoned with who exuded confidence and charisma with a passion and energy for life.
Through her leadership, hard work and sharing of her talents, Florence contributed to the betterment of life in the Upper Skagit Valley. Her legacy and footprint in the Upper Skagit Valley continues to be felt.
Florence is survived by her three daughters, Denise von Pressentin, Seattle, Washington; Lea von Pressentin, Seattle, Washington and Marce von Pressentin, Bow, Washington. Her “kissing” cousin, Richard Gilbert, Marysville, Washington; her cousin, Rene DelRe, Kellogg, Idaho; along with nieces, nephews, cousins, sister-in-laws and treasured friends. She will be greatly missed.
Florence was preceded in death by her parents, Ted and Marie Gilbert; her husband, Martin Pressentin; and her sister, Elizabeth (Betty) Botch.
A Rosary Service will be said at 7:00p.m. on Friday, February 4, 2011 at Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley, Washington. Visitation at Lemley Chapel will be available during the week and at the Rosary.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00a.m. on Saturday, February 5, 2011 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 719 Ferry Street, Sedro-Woolley, Washington.
A Celebration of Life Luncheon Reception will follow the Mass in the Parish Hall. Burial at the Concrete Forest Park Cemetery, Concrete, Washington will follow the luncheon at 3:00p.m.
Memorials may be given in her honor to Aero Skagit Emergency Services, Inc. P.O. Box 705 Concrete, Washington 98273, St. Catherine’s Mission Catholic Church, 719 Ferry Street Sedro-Woolley, Washington 98284, or Seattle University School of Nursing, 901 12th Avenue, Seattle, Washington 98122, or a charity of your choice.
Arrangements and Services are under the direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley, Washington.
In the German Family Newsletter and in the Family archivs we have often read about Florence, her late husband and their daugthers and it was a pleasure to meet her personnally at the Family Reunion in the beach house.
She told us more about her life and her marriage. She had a ful and eventful live.
We will remember her at the family chapel in Prestin in September.
Our deepest simpathy now goes to her daughters.
Sincerely
Bernd and Anna-Luise
I too first met Florence at the Family Reunion in Sedro Woolley. I particularly remember the day Florence showed me around Concrete and the St. John ambulance where she was for many years active.
Florence welcomed me as friend of the family with opened arms. In the English Family Newsletter has always been a pleasure to write about her
each year.
I will not forget her.
Christopher Wallis
I first met Florence at the first international v. Pressentin reunion in Sedro-Woolley in 1998. On behalf of the Family she showed me all the places where our family first settled. She was rightly proud to be a member of our historic family which pionneerd in the Skagit Valley Territory.
I remember her welcoming me to her home at the time in Burlington and the enjoyable time I spent with her and her daugthers there. Of course I met her again at later reunions at the Beach house on Samish Island. I remember her as a loving mother and a wonderful person.
God bless her
Sincerely
cousin Friedrich-Franz
On behalf of the v. Pressentin’schen Familienverband (v. Pressentin Family Association) I express our deepest simpathy at the passing of our respected cousin Florence.
We will say prayers for Florence in the Families Private Chapel in Prestin/Germany at the family reunion in september 2011.
Sincerely
Friedrich-Franz v. Pressentin
Chairman
My sympathy to you lovely girls of Martin and Florence. I relish the times I worked for your dad and mother in the Rockport store. They provided me with employment while I was in high school and following my time in the Air Force. I also appreciate the opportunity they gave my mother’s employment in the Post Office. Your mother was such a beautiful person. I will also remember the time that my cousin Dale and I haul tons of top soil into their yard from the Martin ranch. Also the many times I mowed the yard of Martin’s folks place near the store. I still see your mother behind the Post Office window at the store. Oh, how those memories of her will be with me forever.
Good memories thinking about all your family and days gone by. Ted and Marie were like our own grandparents…thanks for sharing them with us. Always enjoyed hanging out with you girls when you came down to Chehalis for a visit. Your mom was an awesome, classy woman who probably confounded a lot of Concrete locals back in the day. She will be missed.
I Remember Florence from the Dr.’s office and Rockport Post Office, She will be remembered fondly.
Denise, Lea, and Marce, I believe the first job I ever had as a kid was pulling weeds in your mom’s flowers on the huge bank in front of your lovely home in Rockport. And then I stepped up to be babysitter for three precious and beautiful little girls. I can imagine myself back there right now, playing with you, and reading you good night stories just like I do with my grandchildren now. 🙂 Your mom was always so gracious and kind and appreciative. Her beautiful smile put one at ease. She was confident in her endeavors as I saw at home and when she was working in the post office later. My heart goes out to you in your loss. Not too many years ago, I think I talked with her and with you, Lea, at the Rockport picnic. But this last year I didn’t see you. I’ll look for you girls the next time around. You are in my thoughts and prayers as you walk through your grief. Love, Judy
I wish I had known your mother, Denise. I know you and so I know your mother must have been a remarkable woman-just like you.
I have many wonderful memories of growing up in Rockport and Florence’s involvement in the community is responsible for some of them. Our families were very close during my childhood years and I benefitted from Florence’s many talents. She started Girl Scouts in Rockport, which added a new dimension to my childhood. She was an avid gardner, decorator, seamstress and shared her knowledge of those things and more, with my mother, Victoria. She was a woman ahead of her time with a strong will to affect change, especially for women. She will be remembered with much fondness.
A ageless , timeless, beauty, intelligent,a special friend, a great gal.