Ellen Godfrey, formerly of Mercer Island, died on Dec. 2, 2008 at Mt. Miguel Covenant Health Facility in San Diego. She was 94 years old.

Mrs. Godfrey was born near Clayton, Wis., on May 6, 1914, into a family of eight children. She attended grade school in Reeve, Wis., and high school in Wayzata, Minn. She worked in Minneapolis, Minn., and attended nurse’s training at Swedish Hospital. Her training was interrupted by the sudden death of her sister’s husband and the need to care for the children.

Mrs. Godfrey joined the Woman’s Army Air Corps in 1943. She served as a medical technician until being honorably discharged in June 1946. She moved to Seattle to be near two sisters and married George Godfrey. A son, Paul, was born to this union. George died just two years into the marriage. Mrs. Godfrey returned to Wisconsin to work in a senior care center, assist her aged parents and raise her son. In 1972 she moved to Mercer Island and was employed in senior health care. She lived at Ellsworth House, where residents may attest to her many kindnesses. She volunteered frequently at MIYFS Thrift Shop. In 2003 she moved to live with her son in San Diego.

Mrs. Godfrey gave her life to caring for others, particularly the elderly, and was much loved by everyone who she made contact with. She lived life with great dignity and humble service. She remained faithful to the Russian Orthodox church, attending services regularly.

Mrs. Godfrey is survived by her son, Paul, of San Diego; sister, Olga Mommsen; niece, Sandra Beyl, of Mercer Island; and brother, Nicholas Dzubay of Barron, Wis. She was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers and a sister. A memorial service has been held. Burial was in the Evergreen Washelli Cemetery with full military honors.