Michelle Brown’s Memorial Service

December 14, 2007 by Leave a Comment

Update:  Michelle’s obituary and guest book.

Here is a memo from Christine, one of my co-workers at Mortgage Master.  She did a  wonderful job composing this regarding Michelle Brown’s Memorial on Monday, December 17.    Mortgage Master will be open with a light staff on Monday.  I will not be working on that day.   Please contact my Processor, Dina should you need anything on a transaction in progress.

To The Friends of Michelle Brown~

As most of the you are aware, on the afternoon of December 12th,  our dear friend Michelle passed away.  Below is information that her family has asked me to pass on.
Michelle’s memorial service will be held at the Kent Senior Activity Center at 2:00pm, Monday, December 17th.  There will be a celebration of Michelle’s life immediately following the memorial service at Henry’s Switch at Lake Wilderness Golf Course. There will also be an open viewing at Marlatt’s Funeral Home on Monday morning from 9:00 am to 11:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Michelle to Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, or The family of Michelle Brown Memorial Fund.  If you would like to send flowers, the family’s preferred flower vendor is Covington Buds & Blooms.
As her friend, I know the family would want me to extend their gratitude to each and every one of you for your love, friendship, support and generosity.  We have all been truly blessed to have had such a wonderful person touch our lives and live forever in our hearts.Michelle
Warmest regards,
Christine
I am scouring through my photos trying to find more of Michelle.   This is a goofy one where we are dressing up like Marilyn Porter (the lady in the red hat who is my sister in law and our "boss") celebrating Marilyn’s milestone birthday.   Michelle enjoyed life and was never without a smile.   
Important information for Michelle’s Memorial:

Kent Senior Activity Center

600 East Smith Street

Kent, WA  98031

Henry’s Switch at Lake Wilderness Golf Course
25400 Witte Road SE
Maple Valley, WA  98038
Marlatt’s Funeral Home
713 Central Avenue North
Kent, WA 
Seattle Cancer Care Alliance
PO BOX 19023
Seattle, WA  98109
Mention In Memory of Michelle Brown on memo line or with operator
206-667-6121 (phone donations)
Online payment options are not available at this time
The Family of Michelle Brown Memorial Fund
Executor – Dave Tredo
Washington Mutual Bank – Donations accepted at any branch
Covington Buds and Blooms
15220 SE 272nd
Kent, WA  98042
800-334-8046

Filed Under: People

Good by Michelle

December 12, 2007 by 4 Comments

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Today my dear friend Michelle passed away.  I’ve known Michelle just over seven years and have always adored her.  We shared an office together during my first five years in the mortgage industry, she was my processor and right (and left) hand.

Not only did she teach me almost everything I know about mortgage, she has taught me about life.  During her last three years battling breast cancer, she taught me the most important lessons ever on how to live.   She was determined to win this battle up to her last days.   She laughed in the face of the dispare.  She is dignified, beautiful and brave.  Michelle was selfless and a friend to all.  I miss her.   Michelle Brown, may you rest in peace.   

Michelle is pictured here with her husband, Robert.   Michelle also leaves behind her Mom, Dad, Brother and countless friends.

Filed Under: People

Have You Seen This Ornament?

December 10, 2007 by Leave a Comment

Our family put up our tree just a few days ago…and to my dismay, one of my ornaments was broken (in the box).   It happens to be one of my favorites (of course) because it reminds me of my Dad.   

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Most of the ornaments we have on our tree have some meaning behind them.  Perhaps we bought one when we’re vacationing somewhere or maybe it’s symbolizes something significant (or even insignificant) that’s happened during the year. 

My Dad’s father passed away when he was 19 years old.  With his inheritance, he did what most indulgent teens would do with a lump of cash; bought a 1960 red corvette.   I’m told the vette lasted until he started dating my Mom (there are different versions of the story).   Anyhow, I have always loved older Corvettes and this ornament may be the closest I get to one!

I’ve searched the internet and cannot find this ornament anywhere.   I purchased this Polonaise ornament about 5-7 years ago.   If you happen to see one for sale when you’re out and about this holiday season, please let me know.

Filed Under: People

A (Very Middle of the Road) Message from Senator Cantwell on HR 3915

November 27, 2007 by 1 Comment

Dear Mrs. Porter

Thank you for contacting me regarding the Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act of 2007. I appreciate hearing from you on this important issue.

The Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act of 2007 (H.R. 3915) was introduced on October 22, 2007 by Congressman Brad Miller. If enacted, this legislation would amend the Truth in Lending Act, setting forth standards and requirements to monitor the residential mortgage industry. These changes range from requiring counseling for loan applicants, to laying out requirements that mortgage originators be licensed and registered. The bill was reported from the House Financial Services Committee on November 9, 2007 and is currently awaiting action on the House floor.

While no companion bill has been introduced in the Senate at this time, please be assured that I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress to respond to the state of our economy in a fair, responsible, and effective manner. Should legislation similar to H.R. 3915 come to a vote in the Senate, I will keep your thoughts in mind.

Thank you again for contacting me to share your thoughts on this matter.  Finally, you may be interested in signing up for my weekly update for Washington state residents. Every Monday, I provide a brief outline about my work in the Senate and issues of importance to Washington State; If you are interested in subscribing to this update, please visit my website at http://cantwell.senate.gov .  Please do not hesitate to contact me in the future if I can be of further assistance.

Sincerely,
Maria Cantwell
United States Senator

For future correspondence with my office, please visit my website at
http://cantwell.senate.gov/contact/index.html

Filed Under: Legislation, People

Michelle Brown

November 15, 2007 by 5 Comments

Michelle

It’s been brought to my attention that I’ve been writing more about non-mortgage issues.   It’s just kind of what’s been going on these days.  I’ll be back on track soon.

I just learned two days ago that my friend, who happens to my Processor until the last year or two, is near the end of her battle with Breast Cancer.  This is according to her Doctors.   I am hoping and praying for a miracle.   Michelle and I shared an office together for over five years where she trained me right.   We would have more fun laughing together and sharing stories.   She’s a sister.   She’s just a year or so younger than me.   Michelle was diagnosed with this disease a couple of years ago; she is the second woman under 40 in our office to have this aggressive form of breast cancer.  It’s heart breaking.   Hospice is now coming in to help make her comfortable during this time.  Her family is flying in to be with her now and over the holidays.   Our office is taking turns making various dishes of food to help Michelle and her husband, Robert, while they "entertain" their loved ones. 

Please think positive thoughts for Michelle and say a prayer.

Filed Under: Current Affairs, People

A Tribute to John Wickwire

July 19, 2007 by Leave a Comment

Johnwickwire_3I was very fortunate in my real estate career to have worked with many talented people. I began at Safeco Title in 1986…one year later, Chicago Title Insurance Company purchased Safeco and that’s when I first met John Wickwire.   I was maybe 19 or 20 years old and worked in the title unit that was next door to "Unit 2", where John was in command.   After a few years of being a Title Technician, I begged and pleaded to become a sales person (management wanted me to be at least 21 years old)…after a year as a home equity rep, I had the opportunity to call on mortgage and escrow companies in south west King County.  With all of John’s years in the title biz, we wound up sharing many accounts together.

John was like a Dad to all.  He probably sometimes cared too much about his co-workers.  His heart was always in the right place and his brain was a sharp as a tack.  He’s one of the few Title Officers who could quickly weigh out risk and make a decision that would make sense.   He was not the typical "text book" T.O.  After 5 years at Chicago Title, I moved to another title company to be paid commission and it would be another four years before our paths would cross again.

Chicago Title was starting a "boutique" title company in King County:  Washington Title Company.   I was one of the first people hired to start it (I was actually hanging around with four others waiting months for it to "open"…what was I thinking?!).   John came over once we were open as our first Title Officer and eventually became the Chief Title Officer.   He was a great addition to our maybe 8 or so employees at that time!  (Now Washington Title in King County has been renamed Ticor…and has a few more employees than when they started).

JohnJohn was a rock.  Everyone relied on his experience, brilliant mind, leadership and dry sense of humor.  He was old fashioned yet cutting edge at the same time.  You can ask anyone, John was the best.

John was born on July 19, 1947 and passed away on September 12, 2005.  He’s a Dad to three beautiful daughters.  There is not anything on this earth he was more proud of or had more love for.  Two of his daughters are pictured here with John on the day he received an award for his dedication and contributions to the title insurance industry.

On the corner of the bar at Pike Place Bar and Grill is a bronzed plaque reserving a seat for their favorite patron.   We miss you, John!   I just wanted to wish you a happy birthday and to let you know we think about you all the time.

Filed Under: People, Title Insurance

Mortgage Master will be closed on Thursday

July 11, 2007 by 5 Comments

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Last Friday, my sister-in-law Kathy Porter Walker, passed away.  Kathy’s passing was not unexpected to family and close friends.  However, we all have heavy hearts and miss her tremendously.   

Kathy will be reunited in heaven with her eldest daughter.  She is survived by her husband, four children, both of her parents, five siblings and eight grandchildren.   Kathy brought a lot of love and life to this world.   I am grateful to have known her.

Kathy was also a co-worker, employed at Mortgage Master which is a Porter family business.   Mortgage Master will be closed Thursday morning with a few employees working in the afternoon.   We will re-open with a full staff on Friday, July 13, 2007.

Services for Kathy will be on Thursday, July 12, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Philomena Catholic Church in Des Moines.   

Filed Under: Current Affairs, People
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