Priscilla Ann Droge was honored at the Oct. 16 Kenmore City Council meeting for her efforts to spread the story of Kenmore.

Droge and her late husband Leonard lived in the Uplake community for about 60 years. Droge died in June at the age of 94.

According to a City of Kenmore press release, Droge had a passion for reading and writing history. At the age of 80, in conjunction with the Kenmore Heritage Society, she wrote “Kenmore By the Lake: a Community History,” which was published in 2003. The book consisted of many articles about Kenmore that Droge had collected over the years. The book won awards from the Washington Museum Association Excellence and the American Association for State and Local History. The book is available for purchase at Kenmore City Hall for $25.

“Ms. Droge will be missed,” Kenmore Mayor David Baker said in the release. “She told the story of Kenmore that she brought to life for many through her kind telling. Her contribution lives on in our hearts and memories.”

Droge volunteered at the Northshore and Kenmore senior centers for more than 20 years and received the Outstanding Volunteer of the Year award in 2005.

In 2007, she started an annual great blue heron colony viewing event at the north end of the Kenmore Park and Ride, followed by an Eastside Audubon slideshow presentation at the nearby fire station, the release states.

During her years living in Uplake, Droge was an active member of the Uplake Women’s Club and Uplake Neighborhood Association. She received the Uplake Distinguished Neighbor of the Year award in 2008.

In 2008, Droge was the recipient of a Kenmore Heritage Society McMaster Award for her contributions to the community, both as a historian and someone who has fostered fellowship among neighbors.

Droge was a Kenmore honorary historian and the contribution of her work has manifested into tangible benefits for the community, the release reads. She and many images from her book are featured on the mural painted on the west wall of St. Vincent de Paul at 7304 Bothell Way N.E. in Kenmore, one of the largest murals in Washington.

“Priscilla Droge contributed countless hours helping and improving the Kenmore community,” the release states. “We appreciate her dedication and love for the City of Kenmore. She will remain in Kenmore history, forever.”

A portion of the mural at the St. Vincent de Paul thrift store. Courtesy of City of Kenmore

Priscilla Ann Droge. Courtesy of City of Kenmore