Mary Jean Lash, 88, of Sedro- Woolley, joined God in heaven on Thanksgiving Day, November 24, 2016.

She was born on June 29, 1928 in Avilla, IN to Herman D. and Mary Anna (Lemper) Lash. Mary Jean lived in California for 14 years and was on the committee that made arrangements for the Queen Mary to dock in Long Beach. Her career moved her to Florida where she assisted in the building plan and management of the Rusty Pelican Restaurant. She later moved back to Indiana, where she worked as an Internal Auditor for United Technologies and later retired. Upon returning to Indiana, Mary Jean resumed her position as organist at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Avilla, including accompanying the school children’s weekly mass, as well as vocalists at weddings, funerals and other special occasions, all of which continued for 35 years. She also played organ for the Methodist and Lutheran Church in Avilla.  She had the pleasure of preparing the room for Mother Teresa and her companion for their visit to Fort Wayne, IN. This gave Mary Jean the opportunity to meet and visit with her.

Mary Jean was a Brownie and Girl Scout Leader, which included overnight campouts. She is known for preserving fruits and vegetables, including salsa and spaghetti sauce. Her numerous kinds of canned pickles are requested at all family and friend functions. Her candies and goodies are to die for. She is also a pie baker. Her grandchildren request her lemon meringue and sugar pies, as well as her homemade macaroni and cheese. The great-grandchildren enjoyed Easter egg hunts at her home. While living in Indiana, she never missed any of the special occasions in Washington, such as grandparent’s day, baptisms, confirmations, weddings, and numerous other events. The airlines or the van were always busy.

She moved to Sedro-Woolley in 2010 to be with her family, and where she enjoyed her many friends from the Ladies Guild at Immaculate Heart of Mary and the Senior Centers in the area. She spent her time playing Pinochle with dear friends, sewing and quilting treasures for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as an overall lifetime dedication to the Catholic faith.

Mary Jean is survived by one sister, Ruth Marti of Illinois; two daughters, Linda Pickett (Brad) of Mount Vernon, WA, and Annette Evanson of Bellingham, WA; 5 grandchildren, Carrie Crabbe (Jim), Josh Pickett (Malia), Jon Pickett (Rhonda), Morgan Mitchell (Stephen), and Geoffrey Bryson (Kayleigh); 8 great-grandchildren, Lily and Tyler Crabbe, Kinoah, Triya and Bane Mitchell, Jackson and Zoe Pickett, and Daxton Bryson; nieces and nephews Barbara (Mike) Kavas, Patricia (David) Wiant, David (Rachel) Lash, and Nancy (Mike) Caywood. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother John (Dorothy) Lash.  Her family would like to thank the amazing Hospice team for their commitment and compassion to our loving mother and grandmother.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Sedro-Woolley on Monday, December 5, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. A time of visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at the church prior to the mass.  Cremation will follow under the direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.