Mary Magdalen “Maggie” (Steffen) Borte of Centralia, WA passed away on Monday, July 4th at the home of one her twelve children in Kent, WA. Maggie as she was known by her many friends and relatives was born on Saturday, September 5th 1920 to Joseph and Dorothea Steffen of Constance, NE and was the eldest of ten children.
She married Leo H. Borte of Cowlitz Prairie on September 5, 1945 in Constance, NE and moved to their home on South Gold Street in Centralia where they raised their 12 children. They were both active members of St. Mary’s Catholic Church until their deaths. Mr. Borte died on October 11, 1996.
She was a very caring mother, who obviously had her hands full with so many children. Education, religion, and citizenship were strong family values that were shared by all.
Maggie had a gift and a passion for growing flowers, especially roses. Many people would stop by to admire her hard work. Maggie also enjoyed visiting with family and friends. She always kept up with the news and became a serious sports fan. In her later years, she had the opportunity to travel throughout the United States and even overseas to Europe on several occasions. Maggie enjoyed life and loved to laugh with family and her friends. She was also known for her great cooking and baking abilities.
She is survived by her sisters: Delores Broders of Bloomfield, NE; Helen Volquardson of Olalla, WA; Theresa Sorenson of Gilbert, AZ, Rosie Dreesen of Crofton, NE and brothers George Steffen of Fordyce, NE and James Steffen also of Fordyce, NE. She was preceded in death by her brother Freddie who died at the age of two months and brother Daniel who died while serving his country during the Korean War.
Her surviving children include: Barbara Middaugh of Kent, Rose Marie Borte of Bellevue, Joe Borte of Centralia, Jim (Brenda) Borte of Port Angeles, Steve (Anjali) Borte of Atlanta, GA, Donna King of Kent, Marian (Jim) Long of Centralia; Carol Borte of Kent, Linda (Mike) Huse of Bellevue, Mike (Sally )Borte of Renton, Joan Olsen of Kent, and Tom (Denise) Borte of Renton. Two other children were stillborn.
Maggie is also survived by 13 grandchildren, seven great -grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by her family, friends and all who had the pleasure to know her.
A Rosary will be held Thursday, July 7 at 7pm at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Centralia. A Funeral Mass is scheduled for Friday, July 8 at 11am at St. Mary’s with a reception to follow in the Parish Hall. Burial will follow the reception at the St. Francis Cemetery on Cowlitz Prairie near Toledo.
Memorials in Maggie's name can be made to St. Mary's Church, 715 Parkway, Centralia, WA 98531 or Providence Hospice Foundation, 425 Pontius Ave N Suite 300, Seattle, WA 98109.
