Marie Frances Stanaway

She was born in Davenport, IA. As a young child her family moved to Anchorage only to be evacuated out by the military due to the war and bomb threats. They returned to Davenport and around 1945 moved to Seattle. Marie worked with her mom at a cookie factory in downtown Seattle. Shortly after, she began working at Container Corp which made boxes and met Clarence Miller. They were married in 1951 in Seattle, WA. She met her life long best friend, June Hassler, shortly after getting married. In 1952, her first daughter, Pam was born. Marie went to work for Rath Black Hawk Meat Packing Co where she met Eileen Bardsley and Idela Jankey and they became fast friends for the rest of her life. In 1954, her second daughter, Donna was born.

Marie enjoyed camping, fishing, and snow skiing. She spent many a weekend camping with her friends and family. Besides camping with the camper, lots of weekends were spent at Lake Goodwin at her friend June’s house and at her brother-in-law Cliff’s home. Good times were had by all. Marie was an assistant leader of both her daughters Camp Fire troop. Working for Rath, she sold so many Camp Fire Mints for both her girls and one year for the leader’s twin daughters who were too ill to participate during the sale. Marie was a charter member of the West Seattle Association of Federated Women’s Club, and was still a member through her passing. This association did community service activities for the West Seattle area. She enjoyed their fellowship and monthly meetings.

In 1975, Marie married Donald Stanaway and was married to him at her passing. They lived on Lake Ohop by Eatonville, WA. Don brought a son, Donald, to the marriage. Marie loved him like she loved her own daughters. Living on the lake, Marie could fish daily once she retired in the mid 1990’s from the meat packing industry. She enjoyed the peace and solitude of just sitting on the end of the dock. Marie was a big supporter of the 4th of July fireworks shows on the lake, and helped collect donations and sold sweatshirts to pay for the performances. It was a great time to be with family and watch the displays.

Marie loved dogs. She had many dogs over her lifetime, each one precious to her. Her last dog, Dusty, passed away this last Thanksgiving with Marie by his side. She will find much joy in being reunited with them.

Everyone loved Marie. She touched everyone’s heart and always looked for the best in everyone. She had many friends that she kept in touch with over the years. She stayed in touch with so many through the years. Her passing has left a hole in many hearts and will be missed very much.

She is survived by her husband Donald Stanaway Sr, 78 ; sister Karleen Milam, 80; daughters Pamela A Miller, 60 and husband Joe Doyle; Donna L Gerdes, 58; son Donald Stanaway Jr. and wife Tammy, 56; grandchildren Angela Doyle, 41; Michael Doyle, 36 and wife Janie; Nicole Gerdes, 32; Owen Gerdes, 28; Dustin Stanaway, 33; Jesse Stanaway, 29; great grandchildren, Amanda Doyle. Jonathan Doyle, Macie Doyle, and Larienia Stanaway.

Take comfort in knowing she is at peace with her mom, dad, best friends June and Eileen, and her dogs.