Pate, Edith Caroline Bader 105 Jan. 12, 1907 Sept. 12, 2012 Edith, Edie, Dee Dee, or Nana. Great-great-grandmother, sister, aunt, mentor, or friend - Edith Pate was all of these things and more to many people. She lived life to its fullest with uncompromising independence and self-sufficiency. Her unmatched spirit, energy and genuine love of life positively influenced those who met her, and her quick wit, charm and fireball energy put a smile on their faces. We are so fortunate to have known this amazing person. Born in Chicago, Edith moved to Portland as a young girl and enjoyed growing up on the Alameda Ridge and Oak Street, across from Laurelhurst Park. A graduate of the University of Oregon and a lifelong Pi Phi, Edith worked her whole life and demonstrated a work ethic that is a model to all. Her passion was sewing and she was an unmatched seamstress. She sewed and knitted to the absolute very end … and could still thread a needle faster than anyone. As an incredible entrepreneur, her wine bags and children's aprons are in shops all around Portland and Cannon Beach. She had an incredible memory, and her stories of her life and the family history could be recalled in vivid and crisp detail. Generations of family would listen in wonder as she shared details of makes of automobiles, family pets and an array of anecdotes. While she was proud of her family heritage and role as matriarch, she lived in the present and drew happiness from her extended family, especially the young children. She loved young children, and her eyes sparkled in their presence. She was fiercely independent and loved conducting her business and managing her own affairs. She drove until she was 103 and continued her activities via family, friends and outside support. She had an unquenchable thirst for books and enjoyed book club, the Oriental Art Society and keeping abreast of current events. She read the paper each day and faithfully watched local, national and OPB news in the morning and evening. Edith worshiped at St. James Lutheran Church and found peace and strength from its members. She was proud of her family's stained glass windows and how those windows symbolized being a tangible part of the church's legacy. She was spry in her Pendleton suits and always looked sharp and dignified. For her 99th birthday she enjoyed buying her first pair of blue jeans and getting her ears pierced, thanks to her much-loved nieces. She was at ease having dinner at the captain's table while on her many cruises and enjoyed a good burger at Tebos or the Buffalo Gap. She loved getting out and about and especially cherished the close friendships and support of her wonderful neighbors. Oh, how she loved her family. She enjoyed a wonderful life with her husband, Manford, and she took joy in her daughter, Nance, and her grandchildren, Heather, Kevin (and wife, Jana), and Brian (and wife, Erin). Edith was so proud of and looked forward to each visit with the Baders, Hughes, Langes, Mills and Reicherts. And her family looked forward to Edith's birthday celebration weekend and crab feed at the Oregon Coast. They were joyous and festive times where Edith helped all understand the importance of caring for each other. Edith left an indelible mark on so many people. She lived her life to the fullest and positively impacted many family, friends and strangers. And while her physical presence may be gone, her love of life, spirit and energy remain in all of those she touched. She lived as she most desired and passed away as she had hoped; awash in the love of family and friends, comfortably, peacefully, elegantly and with dignity. And for that, we should all be thankful and perhaps even smile. She was fortunate … and so are those who knew her. Join her celebration of life at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 5, 2012 at St. James Lutheran Church, 1315 SE Park Ave. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. James Lutheran Church. Published in The Oregonian on September 23, 2012 Picture available at http://obits.oregonlive.com/obituaries/oregon/obituary.aspx?n=edith-caroline-bader-pate&pid=160078009#fbLoggedOut.