West Seattle, Washington
30 Sunday
Relatives and friends will gather this Friday afternoon to celebrate the life of John Picinich. Here’s the remembrance shared by his family:
John Antonio Picinich, 76, passed into eternity on Friday, July 5, in Susak, Croatia. He was born in Susak, Croatia, on September 14, 1936, to the late Antonio and Gaudenzia Picinich. John was a longtime resident of and business owner in West Seattle. He is survived by his wife of 3 years, Debra Kohler of FL; previous wife Rita Michelotti, of West Seattle, and his children, Marina (Matt) Bovenkamp, Gina (Steve) Evans, Nello (Michelle) Picinich; 10 grandchildren (Micah, Ariana, Rebekah & Siena Bovenkamp; Rachel & Hannah Fox; Benjamin, Landon, Maia & Amelia Picinich), and siblings Tony Picinich and Karmela Kurilic.
John was a loving father and husband. He enjoyed his work and had a passion for boating. He loved his homeland of Susak. He was a friend to all and loved by many. His charismatic personality will be missed.
An open-house celebration of his life will be held on Friday, July 12, from 3-5 pm at Hope Lutheran Church, 4456 42nd Ave SW.
(WSB publishes obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)
A memorial service is planned August 2nd for Susan Fortney, whose family shares this remembrance:
Susan Theresa Fortney, 64, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family, on June 22, 2013.
Susie was born in Wallace, Idaho, on April 3, 1949 and moved to West Seattle at the age of 2- she was a lifelong resident of the West Seattle area, attending Cooper Elementary, Boren Middle School, then graduating from Chief Sealth High School in 1968. She continued on to receive an associate’s degree to become a nurse from Skagit Valley Community College.
Susie was a nurse, in heart and profession, at Valley Medical Center for several years, and then went to work for a law firm, working as a office manager until her full-time retirement in 2011.
The family of Linnea Long, gone too soon at 60, shares this remembrance with the community:
On May 9, 2013, Linnea opened the door to yesterday, walked through, and the door closed behind her.
Linnea was born in Inglewood, California, in December 1952, to a WWII veteran father and a mother who was often mistaken for Doris Day. She was the middle child in a family of two girls and a boy. Linnea grew up in the South Bay of Los Angeles and loved to ride her bike along the Strand. When she moved north with her husband David Benton in the 1980s, they eventually settled in Alki, after a short stay on 38th Ave SW east of Jefferson Square.
Linnea would often jog along the beach, quickly becoming a nodding acquaintance of many. She would ride her bike to the Water Taxi and then to work. At lunch she would ride up to Interbay and after work, ride home along Alki.
Linnea was a strong and protective mom who made sure that her son Erik knew he was both wanted and loved. Erik attended Schmitz Park, Explorer West, and Seattle Lutheran High School before he moved onto Western Washington University. Many may know her as “Erik’s Mom,” Linnea was also a steadfast friend to many over the years and she was both loyal and supportive. Linnea helped sponsor and serve on the Cormorant Cove and Constellation Park Steering Committees, and encouraged her family to do so as well. Linnea loved living in Alki, and named the house “Close Enough,” meaning that it was close enough to a beach for her and her family. Many beaches she enjoyed in addition to Alki were Manhattan Beach, Newport Beach, and Cannon Beach.
After her family, at the heart of Linnea’s life were books; whether seated on a kitchen stool or relaxing in a beach chair, Linnea would read. After becoming a “recovering attorney” after many years employed in private practice and at Time Oil as corporate counsel, she went back to the UW and obtained a second graduate degree in Information Sciences and reincarnated her second career as a Special Librarian while still remaining a member of the Bar. She joined Avvo in early 2007 and served as Content Acquisition Manager, helping the company grow to become the leading web-based source for information about legal matters and lawyer qualifications.
Linnea continued working while her cancer spread, determined not to be a victim, but to keep on being a mom to Erik and wife to David. Her family and her good friend Laurie D’Allesandro aided her in her fight. She managed the struggle until early May 2013. She is survived by her husband, her son, her brother, John Long, and her sister Colleen Campbell.
There will be no formal religious service, and in lieu of flowers, her family asks that donations in her name be made to the Global Resource for Advancing Cancer Education at cancergrace.org/about-us
The family of Erny Smith shares a simple remembrance:
Erny Smith, December 24, 1936 – May 11, 2013
Longtime West Seattle resident Erny Ulvestad Smith, 76, passed away on May 11th, surrounded by family after a year-long struggle with cancer.
He is missed by Carole and children Stefanie, Lorrie, Lance and their families. Also survived by one brother, four sisters, numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents and brother Joe.
At his request there will be no service. Family will gather for a celebration of Erny’s life at a later date.
Gwendolyn Schwenzer clearly lived a full life over her 94 years. Even if you never met her, this remembrance shared by her family is proof:
Gwendolyn (Hill) Schwenzer
1918-2013
Beloved Mother, Nana, Great Nana and Great–Great Nana.Gwen was born in Seattle on Dec 6, 1918, graduated West Seattle High School in 1937, married Herb (Fritz) Schwenzer when she was just 18, and had 4 kids throughout the years: Sharon, Diane, Fritz, and Vicki.
In 1944, Gwen went to work at Boeing as an original “Rosie the Riveter,” working on the B-29s as part of the World War II effort. She also worked at the Hideaway Tavern in White Center.
In 1979, Herb passed away, leaving a void in Gwen’s life, and that was when she joined the Eagles Clowns and became “Bubbles the Clown,” allowing her to make others happy with her great sense of humor.
Volunteering at Mount St. Vincent for 13 years earned her a warm welcome when it was time for her to move into the assisted-living area, where she is pictured on their brochure and passed away on May 8, 2013.
She will be missed by all who knew her.
That certainly will include the fellow “Rosies” with whom she was featured in this 2009 WSB story.
Fourteen months ago, we introduced you to a West Seattle centenarian named Ina Mann, with whom we spoke along with three generations of her family, visiting her one day at Arbor Heights Adult Family Home (now a WSB sponsor). We just learned from Ms. Mann’s family that she has passed away. They are sharing this remembrance, along with photos (above, Ms. Mann on her 100th birthday with five of her seven granddaughters):
Alexandrina ‘Ina’ Mann * December 21, 1907 – April 19, 2013
Longtime West Seattle resident Ina Mann went to her eternal home, with Jesus, on Friday, April 19, 2013, after a long life of 105 years. Ina was born outside London, England, to Albert and Louise Whitehead. She crossed the Atlantic on a ship at age 4 with her parents and 2 younger brothers, Walter and Albert. The family settled in West Seattle where her father built the family home on 46th and Findlay. She attended Jefferson Elementary, Madison Junior High, and West Seattle High School. After graduation, she worked for several years at Hostess Baking Company.
Her early memories of West Seattle included California Avenue as a dirt road with horses and visiting Luna Park on Alki as a young child. She met her husband, Huntley David Shaw Mann, Sr., while visiting the Swedish Club.
Ina never drove a car, loved gardening and working in her yard. She spent the last seven years under the loving care of Katie Gilliantte and Penny Nemoede and staff at Arbor Heights Adult Family Home.
Ina is survived by her son, Huntley Shaw Mann, Jr., his wife Marlene Hill Mann, 7 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren.
The family also shared this photo of Ms. Mann and her son, featured in our story last year:
That was taken in 1951.
West Seattle Elementary wants to make sure that everyone who knew teacher Heidi Hudeckova knows about the memorial for her at the school 
this Saturday. Counselor Laura Bermes tells WSB that Heidi died last month, just 50 years old, from a brain aneurysm, adding, “Heidi taught at West Seattle Elementary in the Developmental Preschool Program. Graduated students from that program populate local schools throughout West Seattle. We’re hoping to get the word out so that those who loved Teacher Heidi, and those whose lives she touched can share in this celebration.” Parent Ellen Bremen says of Ms. Hudeckova, “Heidi was an institution there; her years of experience and almost magical intuition of what makes a ‘higher needs’ child thrive changed countless children’s lives, as well as their parents.” The memorial, described as an informal potluck for sharing memories, is planned for 11 am-1 pm Saturday (May 4) at the school, 6860 34th SW.
Family and friends are remembering David Franks, gone too soon at just 61. Here’s the tribute sent to us to share with you:
David A. Franks died unexpectedly March 29 of natural causes, one month short of his 62nd birthday. Though he lived in north Burien, he had lifelong ties to West Seattle. He grew up in the community, first in a house near the steel mill, then in the home his parents owned for more than 40 years on 42nd SW just south of Jefferson Square. Dave was in West Seattle every week, helping support the needs of his parents, and maintaining contact with friends and the families of two nieces who live here.
He was born April 30, 1951, in Seattle, graduated from West Seattle High School, and attended the University of Puget Sound. He had a career with the US Postal Service, where he rose from part-time mail handler to supervisor of the mail processing center at SeaTac Airport.
Dave was close to his large family, and had an extensive circle of friends, many dating to college days. A lifelong bachelor, Dave was a much-loved uncle to two generations of nieces and nephews, with whom he always was generous with time and gifts.
Arlene Wade, instrumental in the creation of the Log House Museum and Duwamish Longhouse, has died at age 69. Here’s the remembrance we’ve received to share with you:
Arlene Hinderlie Wade (1943-2013) passed away on March 25 after a 13-year battle with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma.
Arlene grew up in Port Orchard. She was the 1963 Seafair Queen during the ‘Century 21’ Seattle World’s Fair.
As President of the Southwest Seattle Historical Society in the 1990s, Arlene led the campaign to create the Log House Museum. She insisted on telling the story of the American settlers alongside that the Duwamish people, whose cause she championed for two decades. She shaped “The Spirit Returns” exhibit at the new Log House in 2000, which was the first time the story of the Duwamish and the American settlers was told side by side under one roof.
Paul Dorpat decribed her in his Seattle Then and Now column:
Last Friday, we reported on a death at West Seattle Stadium the day before. Today, we know the man who died at the track was 44-year-old West Seattle resident Donald Markey; we have heard from his wife Leslie Markey, a native West Seattleite (who says old friends from WSHS/Madison/Alki would know her as Leslie Rhodes). She says her husband was in training for the upcoming physical exam to join the Seattle Police Department, and that she is thankful for SPD and Seattle Fire Department medics’ “beyond hope” efforts to save her husband’s life – “an unbelievable effort by our local fire and police.” Here is the remembrance she shared:
Donald Graham Markey, born March 8, 1969 died suddenly and unexpectedly at the age of 44 of a heart attack, on March 21, 2013. Son of Nancy Graham Markey (deceased) and John Cornelius Markey (deceased) of Charlotte, North Carolina. He is survived by his wife, Leslie C. Markey of Seattle; brother John Cornelius Markey, Jr. of Graham, North Carolina; Aunt and Uncle Steve and Cornelia Robinson of Charlotte, NC; and two beloved cats; Arnold and Abner.
Handsome, humorous, personable, and polite, Donald was smart, highly educated, motivated to be of service to others, and a man of faith. He was baptized a Christian in Anacortes in 2003. He was devoted to seeking a better understanding of God by exploring spirituality so that he could live in the sunlight of the spirit. He shared this journey with his wife. Donald’s relationship with Leslie began in 1999 and they then married in 2007 in Seattle, WA. He was blessed with a faith that worked, and it showed in the way he smiled, talked and loved.
A memorial service is planned Wednesday for 92-year-old Victor Weith, whose family shares the remembrance that he himself wrote:
Victor Paul Weith
April 12, 1920 – March 8, 2013Several years ago, Vic wrote his own obituary:
“Born in Alva, OK, 4/12/1920. Spent next 20 years in Alma, Kansas. Graduated from Alma High School.
Two of my buddies and myself decided to go to Seattle in 1940 to look for better jobs. We worked for Boeing and Bremerton Shipyards. Met my future wife in December 1941; we married in October 1942. I went into the service in February 1943 in the 11th Airborne Division. Spent the war in New Guinea, Leyte, Luzon, Okinawa, and then Japan. Our division was the only Airborne Division that was in the Pacific. Participated in a lot of war in several years.
My wife and I moved to West Seattle in 1945 and still have our home there. I spent most of my working years in sales.
I had several exciting things happen to me. In 1981, as I was getting ready to retire I picked 18 out of 20 Monday Nite NFC football winners, earning my wife and myself a trip to the Super Bowl. Then in 1993, playing golf in La Quinta, California, I had two holes in one on the same day. The odds for that was 67 million to one.
I had a very good life and a wonderful wife. It was great! We had 4 children: Susan Blakely (husband Dick), Michael Weith (deceased), Cathy Kemper (husband Neil), John Weith (wife Patty). Five grandchildren: Brad Herriges (wife Cara), Sean Herriges (wife Miho), Abbey Weith, David Weith, and Ryan Kemper; and three great-grandchildren, Alexis, Andrew, and Nicholas Herriges.”
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday (March 13, 2013) at Holy Family Catholic Church, at 9622 20th Ave SW. Reception following.
A memorial is planned February 23rd on Bainbridge Island for Emily Williamson, known and loved by many in West Seattle, especially for her work at Many Moons Trading Company, gone too soon at age 42. Her family shares this tribute; at the end we’ve added information about an art exhibit in her memory:
Emily Jean Williamson, blithe spirit and treasured daughter, sister, and friend, died on February 13, 2013, after a long battle with cancer.
Emily was born in Seattle on April 28, 1970 to Ron and Ethelyn Williamson. She grew up on Bainbridge Island and graduated from Bainbridge High School in 1988. In 1992 she graduated from Evergreen State College.
After graduation she moved to Seattle and worked in a variety of jobs from being a bike messenger to taking care of children at a day care center in downtown Seattle. She also founded Fuzzy Caterpillar, a party-planning service for children’s events. And after she moved to West Seattle, she became a favorite with customers at Many Moons Trading Co. where she displayed a talent for matching people with just the right outfit. But most notably Emily will be remembered for creative energy and her whimsical paintings created seemingly effortlessly and featuring flowers, birds, and a variety of inscrutable owls.
Emily was preceded in death by her father Ron Williamson and is survived by her mother Ethelyn Williamson, her sister Jennifer, her brother David, nephew Grant Forster, niece Lauren Forster, her kind and caring housemates in West Seattle, and myriad friends.
There will be a Memorial Service at Islandwood on Bainbridge Island on Saturday, February 23, at 1 pm. Shuttles will be available for those on the 11:25 am ferry from Seattle. Look for the daffodils. Donations may be made to Arms Around Bainbridge at www.armsaroundbainbridge.com.
Also in Emily’s memory, Mind Unwind in West Seattle is putting together an exhibit of her art for next month at their upstairs Treehouse Lounge, and asking those who have some of Emily’s work to loan it for the show. We stopped by during West Seattle Art Walk last night to see what’s already been dropped off – including this:
You’re invited to include a story about Emily with the artwork dropped off 5-midnight Wednesday through Sunday till month’s end; 2206 California SW. The exhibit will be spotlighted there during next month’s WS Art Walk (March 14), too, and artwork will be returned to its owners in April.
This remembrance of Gene Nokes by his son Don isn’t “just” an obituary … it’s a story about a man, his life and times and memories. He’s gone but clearly will never be forgotten:
Earl Eugene “Gene” Nokes Sr. passed away peacefully at Providence Mount St. Vincent on February 2, 2013.
Gene was the last of his ten other brothers and sisters to check out of Nokesville, which at its inception was a large army tent located on the corner of 48th SW and Hanford St. He and his wife Margie both moved into the Mount facility back in 2000. Margie passed away in September of 2001 and after a brief hiatus, Gene and Margie will now reunite on the other side of life. Gene lived to be 95 years old and spent more than a decade in a very symbiotic relationship with his Mount Saint Vincent family and friends – they loved him and he loved them in return.
Gene Nokes Sr. never graduated from anything other than 8th grade, as far as I know. The story Uncle Pat told me about Dad and him and Joe and Tom and West Seattle High School went like this:
The family of longtime educator Manvel “Schauff” Schauffler, a founding board member of Explorer West Middle School among many other achievements, shares this remembrance:
Manvel Schauffler, who taught hundreds of Seattle-area kids history, sailing, camping, cooperation, and the joys of classroom and outdoor learning for more than a decade, passed away on January 8, 2013.
Known to all simply as “Schauff”, he taught at The Bush School in Seattle and also helped found two middle-schools, The Hyla School on Bainbridge island and Explorer West in West Seattle.
He was born in New York City in 1924, and grew up in New Rochelle, New York. His pastimes there were sailing on Long Island Sound, playing ice hockey and other sports, and rooting for the New York Yankees. He once shook hands with Lou Gehrig.
He served with the U.S. Navy during World War II and met his wife, Verna, at Black Mountain College in North Carolina after the war.
(Updated with official memorial date/time/place)
Memorial plans are not yet finalized for West Seattleite Jerry Ceis, who died last week at age 64, but family and friends are remembering him as a spirited soul. 
Among his many friends are two WSB’ers who wanted to make sure Mr. Ceis’s passing would be noted here. So we asked Tim Ceis, Jerry’s brother, for a remembrance:
He was born May 4, 1948 and died on January 9, 2013. He was born in West Seattle to Philip L. and Doris Ceis. His birth mother died when Jerry was 5 and his stepmother was Margaret Ceis, who passed away in May of last year.
He is survived by his brother Tim Ceis, his niece Natalie Ceis, his aunt Winifred Savery and her family, and his Uncle John Yorke and his family.
Jerry lived for the joy of life and adventure; from building his one true love – a 17-foot Ed Monk-designed wood sailboat – at the age of 18, to trying to sail it solo to Hawaii in 1975. He fished in Alaska, sailed wherever a boat, wind, and tide would take him, and lived the life of a pirate – sometimes for Seafair and, in more than a few minds, in real life. Many of us lived out our own adventures by joining him at one time or another, or just by hearing him tell the stories over the years.
Jerry has set his last course, and I believe it is toward the second star on the right and straight on till morning.
As a Seafair Pirate, Jerry Ceis was Captain Kidd in 1984, as shown on this page of the Pirates’ website. We will publish an update when memorial information is announced.
ADDED: Friends are planning at least two gatherings in his honor: 3 pm January 27th at Chelan Café; Christo’s on Alki at 6:30 pm February 5th.
UPDATE: The official memorial for Mr. Ceis is at 1:30 pm Saturday, February 2nd, at the Alki Bathhouse (60th and Alki). A gathering is planned afterward at Christo’s on Alki. (Thank you to Tim Ceis for providing the photo we have added above.)
Family and friends will gather this Saturday in West Seattle to remember Betty June Rinaldo MacWatters, gone at 82:
Betty MacWatters was called home to God on Monday, December 24, 2012 at Manor Care Residence in Tacoma.
Born on January 30, 1930 in Seattle to Dorothy (Kegler) and Del Rinaldo. Her husband Lester MacWatters, son Del MacWatters, and daughter Colleen Vineyard preceded Betty in death. She is survived by daughters Sue Rhoads, Linda (Will) Schneider, and Kathy Estabrook. She was loved and adored by her 13 grandchildren,18 great-grandchildren, six great-great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Betty loved to celebrate family holidays and everyday affairs. She was most at home in the kitchen, cooking her signature pasta and sharing her life through food, music, and stories. She was passionate about expressing her joie de vivre through her colorful ensembles and jewels. She also enjoyed the outdoors, particularly her garden and backyard birds, where she drew inspiration for her landscape paintings and poetry.
Betty was a lifelong resident of West Seattle and a well-known figure in the Junction community, where many knew her as Grandma Betty. She enjoyed her volunteer work at the Cancer Society’s Discovery Shop and all the children she had the privilege of caring for in her 40 years as a day-care-center owner on Southern Street.
Betty’s life and legacy will be celebrated at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 12, 2013 at West Seattle Christian Church, 4400 42nd Avenue SW.
Longtime West Seattle resident Alma Dines will be remembered at a service tomorrow. Her family shared this announcement today:
Alma Julia Dines, 83, born October 27, 1929, passed away on December 16, 2012. She attended Centralia High School and Centralia Junior College before moving to Seattle in 1949 to attend the University of Washington where she received a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology.
Alma married Alec Dines in July 1954 and they settled in West Seattle. Alec passed away in 1969. After several years as a stay-at-home mom, Alma went back to work at Western and Southern Life Insurance Company. She then worked for Providence Hospital in Seattle (now Swedish Cherry Hill) as a Patient Account Representative until her retirement in December 1994.
Alma was an avid walker and could often be seen walking in the Admiral area where she lived in a condominium. She had a wide circle of friends; always close to her heart were her friends at the West Seattle Baptist Church.
Alma was predeceased by her parents, husband Alec, and sister Amy. She is survived by her brother Lee Harrah of Hutchinson, Kansas, her daughter Diana (Phil), son Alec (Jeannie) and grandchildren Kyle Hamilton (Sherry), David Hamilton (Kelsey), Melanie Hamilton Reed (Brian), Joe Dines and John Dines; and great grandson Alex Hamilton.
Memorial service Saturday, December 29th, 11 am, at West Seattle Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations in her name to West Seattle Baptist Church, 4157 California Ave. SW, Seattle, WA 98116.
(WSB publishes obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)
A memorial service is planned one week from tomorrow for Dick Fullington, a former longtime West Seattle resident and physician. His family shares this remembrance:
WARREN RICHARD (Dick) FULLINGTON, 82, of Olympia, born May 12, 1930, passed away on December 10, 2012. Son of Harold and Mildred Fullington, Dick was born in Parsons, KS, and graduated from Bremerton H.S. in 1948.
After completing the U.W. School of Medicine in 1956, he married Lois Lundberg the next day. Following residency, he served in the U.S Army from 1961-64 in Honolulu. Warren practiced at South Seattle Women’s Clinic and at Riverton and Highline Hospitals until 1989.
Dick loved his savior Jesus Christ. Married to Lois for 56 years, she remained the love of his life. Their love shone as a beautiful example to his four sons and many others. Gentle and kind, Dick’s passions included reading, learning, football and salmon fishing with Lois and son John at Sekiu. An avid Husky fan, he rooted for the Cougars when his grandson John joined the team. Preferring to get to know people individually, apart from large gatherings, he always made you feel special and important.
Survived by his wife Lois, sons Rand (Laurel), John (Sue), Mark (Maciana) and Craig (Andrea) and 12 grandchildren, he is greatly missed. A memorial will be held at Hope Community Church Friday January 4, 2013, in Olympia. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hope Community Church Building Fund.
(WSB publishes obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)
Longtime West Seattleite Josephine “Jo” Bodourian will be remembered tomorrow, and her family wanted to make sure her many local friends get the word in time:
Josephine M. Bodourian was born January 12, 1935 in Pittsburgh, PA, to Leonard A. Pepper and Josephine Pepper. Jo lived and worked in the Seattle area for more than 50 years. She was a cancer survivor and her recent passing on Friday, December 7, was unexpected.
Jo volunteered for Meals on Wheels, delivering food through the Senior Center. She worked for many years at the V.A. Hospital as a nurse. She was a member of the YWCA and was a swimmer and enjoyed various fitness activities. She also enjoyed traveling.
Jo was preceded in death by her brothers Anton and Leonard A. Pepper, Jr.
She is survived by her sister Rose Kholos (Henry) and her brother Joseph A. Pepper (Carole). She is also survived by her son Greg Bodourian.
Josephine was an exceptionally kind and giving woman and will be missed by all who knew her.
A viewing will be held at Acacia Funeral Home in Seattle on Friday, December 14, from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. There will be a brief prayer service beginning at 4:00 pm.
Acacia is at 14951 Bothell Way NE (map).
The life of longtime West Seattleite Phyllis Evangeline High will be celebrated this Saturday, and tonight, her family shares this remembrance:
Phyllis was born on August 2, 1923 in Taunton, Minnesota, to Casper & Lily Ningen. After she graduated from high school in 1941, her older brother drove Phyllis and her sister to Seattle to give them the opportunities available in a big city. She found employment at Associated Shipbuilders and there met the love of her life, Jack High, Jr. They married on April 22, 1944, and a few short months later Jack shipped out to serve in WWII, returning in 1946.
For the next thirty years, Phyllis kept busy as a stay-at-home mom to her three children, Jacki, Meredith and Jeffery. In 1977 she joined the workforce again and worked her way up to being a License Enforcement Inspector for the City of Seattle, retiring in 1989. She was a member of Teamsters Local #763, Washington State Investigators Association, and carried Badge #327, Special Police Officer.
Phyllis was a member of Hope Lutheran Church and loved singing in the choir there.
Memorial and burial were scheduled today at Forest Lawn (WSB sponsor) for Mary Louise Killeen Richardson. Here’s how she is remembered:
Age 99 and one month, Mary Lou died peacefully in her sleep in her apartment at The Kenney. She was born on Yancy Street in West Seattle on November 2, 1913 to Walter Killeen and Gertrude Barnecut Killeen. She was proud of her Barnecut family pioneer heritage. The Killeen Family spent two years homesteading in the Priest Rapids area of eastern Washington from 1916-1918. When they returned to West Seattle, the family bought a home on SW Mills Street. Mary Lou attended Gatewood School and later graduated from West Seattle High School in 1931. She stayed on at West Seattle High for two more years of post-graduate secretarial study. Then she went to work for Peoples National Bank in West Seattle, where she met her husband, Wayne Harding Richardson.
A memorial is planned tomorrow (Thursday, December 6) at Our Lady of Guadalupe for Peggy Munsen, who died in a fire at her home near 26th and Roxbury a week and a half ago. Here’s a remembrance from her family:
Peggy E. Munsen, 6/16/1941 ~ 11/24/2012
The world will miss Peggy, but she is in God’s hands now. She died unexpectedly from a fire in her home, caused by a spark from a heater.
Her sister, Kay Trepanier, is devastated, as they were as close as close could be. Peggy leaves behind 2 sisters, Kay Trepanier of Bremerton and Mary Munsen of Houston. While Peggy had no children, she was the loving aunt of 8 children, 6 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren, with 3 more on the way.
A memorial fund (Peggy Munsen Memorial Fund) has been set up at Kitsap Credit Union, 360-662-2000 in Bremerton, to help her sister with all the expenses. With this economy, neither Kay nor Peggy had any discretionary funds, and Kay needs help with the overwhelming expenses.
The memorial service will be held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in West Seattle this Thursday, December 6th, at 1 pm, followed by a memorial reception in the church hall at 2 pm.
A side note: A friend of Ms. Munsen’s learned a lesson that night about making sure authorities will be able to notify your loved ones in case something catastrophic like this happens. She wants to share it with you, and we will publish her open letter later today.
Summer Preston Diehm, former owner of West Seattle’s Next to Nature pet store in The Junction, will be remembered in the Central Washington town of Entiat this Saturday. Former store employee Liz e-mailed to say that Ms. Diehm, 37, died in a car crash in the Wenatchee area on Monday and they wanted to get word to the people here who knew her. The memorial is planned for noon Saturday (December 1st) at the Entiat Grange, 14108 Kinzel Street (map). Her family invites anyone who can get there to come share memories and stories. She had lived in the town of Ardenvoir, according to her obituary, from The Wenatchee World; the Next to Nature website says she owned the store 1998-2001.
| 2 COMMENTS