Cleta Donato Purcell

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Cleta D. Purcell, who left us at the age of 90. She now joins her parents and siblings Basilio and Paula, Alejandra, Salome, and Abraham; her first husband Clemencio Fontelera Sr. and her second husband James Purcell Sr.; her children Clemencio Jr. Fontelera, and Sheila Morris; and her grandchild Benji Morris; her great grandchild Henry McCurdy in eternity.

Cleta is survived by her children Myrna Gilbert and Family, Venus Rockwell and Family, Jolyn Mayeda and Family, Dennis Purcell and Family, Tim Purcell and Family, the Family of her late son Clemencio Jr., the Family of her late daughter Sheila Morris, and her stepchildren James Purcell Jr and Family, Sally McCurdy and Family, Joseph Purcell and family, Peggy Olson and Family, Katie Mahre and Family, and John Purcell and Family. She was a devoted mother to six children and seven stepchildren, a grandmother to 48, a great-grandmother to 45, and a great-great-grandmother to 3. Her love and care were truly limitless and a testament to her nurturing and loving nature, treasuring every moment spent with family.

A devout Roman Catholic, Cleta was baptized at St. Michael Archangel Church in Santa Cruz, Zambales, Philippines on December 31, 1933. Her parishes in Seattle were Holy Family Roman Catholic Church and Our Lady of Guadalupe Church.

A firm believer in the power of education, her journey began with a philosophy degree from the University of Santo Thomas in the Philippines in 1960, from which she continually strived to change her stars.

After the passing of her first husband, Clemencio Fontelera Sr., Cleta bravely started a new chapter in her life. She moved to the Pacific Northwest, where she found love once again and married James Purcell Sr. Together, they had two wonderful sons, Dennis and Timmy.

Driven by a lifelong thirst for adventure and knowledge, Cleta traveled the world immersing herself in different cultures and embracing new experiences. Her love for life was contagious, forever inspiring those around her to seize every opportunity. Cleta could often be found hosting family and friends, tending to her garden or playing solitaire at her kitchen table while enjoying the stunning view of the Puget Sound and the snow capped Olympic Mountains.

Cleta was an enduring source of strength and support for her family. Her boundless generosity, unwavering love, and profound ability to see the bigger picture and combined into insightful advice that never ceased to provide solutions and guidance to reach success in life.

Cleta lived her life on her own terms, with no regrets. She said everything she wanted to say, helped everyone she wanted to help, and did everything she wanted to do.

Cleta will always be remembered as the matriarch of the family. Her love, wisdom, and unparalleled logic will continue to guide us all. Though we grieve her loss, we find comfort in the incredible legacy she leaves behind.

May her soul rest in eternal peace.