Marian is preceded in death by her husband of 23 years, Simeon Henry Dirks; parents Christine Oleman and Daniel Copeland; sisters Melanie Alexander, Henrietta Alexander, Ida Joseph, and Josephine Whitney; brother Daniel Wallace Copeland; and children Margaret Lynn McNeil, Martin Henry Dirks, Helen Marie Moore, Simeon Wallace Dirks, Elizabeth Ann Plunket, and Daniel Walter Dirks.
Marian is survived by her sister Meria Kelly; daughters Victorine Joyner and Julie Ann Clark; a number of grandchildren, great grandchildren; cousins, nieces and nephews and their extended families.
Marian was born in Lillooet, British Columbia, Canada at the beginning of the Great Depression, a member of the St'at'imc First Nation Band of interior British Columbia. She witnessed many hardships in her early childhood and knew how to stretch a dollar. Losing both her parents by the time she was 16 years old she cared for her younger siblings and worked to pay off her father's debts. At the age of 18 she left Canada to move to Washington State to make a better living for herself eventually marrying Simeon Dirks and having children of her own.
Marian's life was filled with many interests and hobbies including basketmaking, beadwork, crocheting, jewelry-making, knitting, painting with oils, furniture restoration and reupholstery, sewing, woodcarving & woodburning. She made moccasins, drums, quilts, etc. Many relatives, friends and organizations she was involved with were the recipients of her handiwork. She was a registered Roman Catholic member of Saint James Cathedral. She volunteered her time to several social service organizations including the American Indian Women's Services League, the American Indian Elders Program, the Veterans Administration and others. Always supporting family first, then community. She loved country-western music - Hank Williams, etc. and Elvis Presley.
Marian had a quick and dry sense of humor and had many stories of her long-lived adventures and journey. She will be sorely missed by all who knew her.
The family wishes to thank all her doctors, nurses and staff from Swedish Medical Center, Harborview Medical Center, Foss Nursing Home and Northwest Hospitals in Seattle who were involved in her care at the end of her journey. A special thank you to her daughter Julie and her husband Gary Clark.
Godspeed Marian, until we meet again. Eternal rest grant unto her Oh Lord. May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen.
Private Graveside Service, Washelli Cemetery
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