Lifelong Sedro-Woolley resident Virginia Engen died in her sleep of natural causes on Saturday, April 27, 2019. She was 79.
Born in Tacoma in 1939, Virginia was the oldest child of Carl and Anita Olson. At a young age, she moved to Sedro-Woolley with her father and two sisters. He raised them along with a helping hand of the Turk family of Sedro-Woolley. She attended Sedro-Woolley schools and became a life-long supporter of the Sedro-Woolley Cubs.
It was at Sedro-Woolley High School that she met Maurice “Queenie” Frizzell. They married in 1957 and the couple had four children: Jeff, Rick, Connie Jo and Steve. They raised their family on Jamison Street in Sedro-Woolley, where she became the kids’ biggest fan, regularly attending their sporting events and celebrating their achievements. The rule in the household was that once you heard the Skagit Steel whistle blow (which you could hear all over town) that you were to drop what you were doing and immediately come home for dinner.
Although she was busy raising her children, Virginia enjoyed working part-time at Lederle Shoe Store and eventually at The Gateway restaurant in downtown Woolley. She was an active member of the Sedro-Woolley Eagles Auxiliary and the Grace Cochrum Guild.
In 1980 she married Elmer Engen, a union that would last 35 years until his death in 2016. With open arms she welcomed two step-children to the family – Rocky Engen and Terri Stewart. Elmer and Virginia enjoyed spending time on their District Line Road farm, watching the Sedro-Woolley Cubs wrestling matches and dancing at the American Legion. Their home was always full of family and friends.
Virginia loved a clean car, her dog Ginger, hosting gatherings and wearing a smart new outfit, but above all else, she loved her family and was always there for them.
She was preceded in death by her husband Elmer Engen; parents Carl Olson and Anita Olson; sister Marianne Kirkby; and granddaughter Rachael Rosenbalm.
She is survived by her sister, Judi (Rich) Oldow; her children, Jeff (Linda) Frizzell of Burlington, Rick Frizzell of San Antonio, TX, Connie (Brian) Shoemaker of Big Lake and Steve Frizzell of Sedro-Woolley; step-children Rocky (Ann) Engen and Terri (Barry) Stewart of Sedro-Woolley; her beloved grand-children Jennifer Fugate, Taylor Frizzell, Danny Frizzell, Kari Shoemaker, Wesley Shoemaker, Peyton Frizzell, Chase Frizzell, Sarah (Mark) Richmond, Alex (Clarissa) Engen, and Drew (Nick) Aldridge; ten great-grandchildren and special friend Tom Moody.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Grace Cochrum Guild.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, May 3, 2019 at 1:00 PM at Lemley Chapel in Sedro-Woolley with Pastor Billy Farrar officiating. Inurnment will be at Sedro-Woolley Union Cemetery followed by a fellowship gathering at the Sedro-Woolley Eagles. Share memories of Virginia and sign the online guest register.
Remembering your wonderful Mother with heartfelt sympathy. You are in our thoughts and prayers . May your heart and soul find peace and comfort for your grief.
So very sorry for your loss.
Thank You for being my friend. R.I.P.
Except while living in California, we spent time with Aunt Virginia almost daily. She had the best giggle I’ve ever heard. I loved her. Jeffrey, Ricky, Connie Jo, and Stevie, Keeping your hearts open and memories of your beautiful mother shared will comfort you.
A special smile. A very special lady.
We are very sorry for your loss. She was a very sweet and kind lady and made the best jelly! I always think of her when the raspberries come in.
OhVirginia what a hole you have left in my heart , Always checking on me to see that I was ok . As active as you were I thought you’d be here for your 100 birthday Thanks for all good times working the lunch rush together at the Gateway , to being the best neighbor ever .
You will be greatly missed by all.
You were a wonderful woman and I was honored to know you.
Our condolences to those you leave behind but I know you are dancing in heaven!
What a wonderful lady Virginia was! I will always remember her sweet personality and thoughtfulness to others. She always looked beautiful and talked about her family with such respect and excitement. She always came to our class reunions and was a highlight to others attending. Rest in peace dear sweet Virginia. You are in good hands in Heaven!
I will miss my friend and the best neighbor I ever had…prayers to the family.
Virginia was my landlord for a time, she was always so good to me and treated me well everytime I saw her. I am so sorry to hear of the loss of a wonderful lady. I will always have the utmost respect for her, my heart goes out to all who love her.
RIP Virginia ❤️❤️ You were one of my favorite friends forever!! You were a great mentor for me back at the gateway and I worked with you and I didn’t know if I was coming or going you always gave me good advise and let me know when I was going in wrong direction . And I loved hearing all about your kiddos and how important they were to you . You will surely be missed sweet lady❤️❤️❤️😢
My condolences the family,I am so blessed to have known such a beautiful lady..rest in peace Virginia you are with Elmer again..