Mary Starkovich, a long time Sedro-Woolley resident, passed away peacefully at her home with her loving daughters at her side, on December 27, 2011 at the age of 101.
She was born on May 7, 1910 in Ronald, Washington and was the oldest of 9 children of Josephine and Joseph Chopp. She was raised and attended school in the Ronald-Roslyn area.
At the age of 11 her mother fell ill and had to leave the family home; Mary left school and helped her father raise her 8 siblings.
In 1936, she was united in marriage to Vincent Starkovich in eastern Washington and shortly thereafter moved to Sedro-Woolley.
Mary enjoyed cooking and working in her garden where she grew a variety of flowers, fruits and vegetables; she especially loved roses. Her devotion to her family was demonstrated by her unselfish love, kindness and dedication.
She was a member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary parish for many years.
Her parents, her husband Vincent, son Earl, grandson Shawn, 3 brothers and 4 sisters precede Mary in death. She is survived by her children, Vincent and wife Kay and Diane Torset and husband Don all of Sedro-Woolley; Marilyn Edminson and her husband Stan of La Conner and Karen Reeves and her husband Richard of Mount Vernon; 7 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
A private family graveside service was held at Union Cemetery in Sedro-Woolley on Friday, December 30, 2011. Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Northwest.
Arrangements are under the direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.
I didn’t know your mother well, but I remember so well her beautiful smile. I remember that you were always dressed in the finest, especially on Easter Morning at Mass in your matching gloves, hat , and bag and beautiful clothes. She must have been so very proud of you and your lives.
I am sorry for your loss, but know that you have shared many great memories of her life here on Earth.
Most sincerely,
Beverly DeLong Pearson