Nellie Mae Prowse

Nellie Mae Prowse passed away peacefully on, January 4th 2023, at the age of 88. She was surrounded with love

when she went to be with her heavenly father. Mom, Gramma, Grammie, Grannie Goose...for all you were to our family, we will hold you dear in our hearts now and always. The unconditional love you have shown us through your beautiful life we will be forever grateful.

Nellie was born to Thomas and Elizabeth Null, in Monona, Iowa, and was the ninth of ten children. Nellie had four

brothers and five sisters, Dorothy, Ethel, Aaron, Merlin, Vivian, Earl, Virgil, Bonnie, and Patricia.They grew up

farming and living off the land. She graduated from Central High School class of 1952, in Sioux City Iowa.

Nellie headed west to Seattle to be near her elder sisters Dorothy and Ethel. She pursued her dream of being a flight attendant working for “Western Airlines...The Only Way To Fly” She decided to put her feet back on the ground, started working for Westlake Chevrolet in Seattle, where she met George Prowse.

Nellie and George were married in 1957. In 1959, they welcomed twin daughters and joined a sister, Barbara. They

settled in Magnolia, then eventually moving to Queen Anne. In 1967, they moved to Bainbridge Island. Nellie dabbled in Real Estate on Bainbridge before returning to CNA insurance in Seattle, working as a switch board operator, then moving on to a position as an insurance underwriter. She retired after 32 years of commuting, hiking up the hill to the Park Place building. 

George and Nellie divorced in1989. In 2000, Nellie met and married the love of her life Stanley Goodell. They had a magical wedding at the Mayflower Park Hotel in Seattle. As newlyweds they traveled to Paris and Mazatlan. Stan was the kindest, most gentle and loving man. They spent many wonderful years together until Stan’s passing in 2019.

She was famous for her baking and at the top of the list her Toffee Bars. We have tried unsuccessfully to make her toffee bars..she had the magic touch.

Nellies beloved first born granddaughter, Lindsey Mcilwain passed in 2019. 

She is survived by her sisters Bonnie Monfort, Pat Hoffman. Her daughters Barbara (Jim) Kuchan, Sheila (Jim) Strom, Shelly (Craig) Brubaker. Grandchildren Jessica (Andy) Menke, Erin (Ted) Graham, Todd (Angelle) Johansson, Jennifer (Trevor) Sutherland, Nick Johansson and Traci Bushnell. Great grandchildren Kylie Bushnell, Gage Graham, Lily Mcilwain, Michael Menke, Deacon Johansson, Jaxon Johansson, Harper Graham, Karl Johansson, Thomas Menke, Kannon Kosson and Ivar Johansson. Nellie is also survived by many nieces, nephews and extended family.

A Service, Celebration of Nellies life, and Internment will be held in late spring. Details to follow

Arrangements are entrusted to Cook Family Funeral Home of Bainbridge Island.