Mary Helen McKillop

Mary Helen (Sis) Abernethy McKillop died peacefully on July 22nd in her home full of the family she so loved and who adored her in return. She was born December 9, 1919 in a home still owned by family in Seattle, the second child of Donald E & Mary Black Quigley Abernethy. She grew up in Rainier Valley, graduating from Forest Ridge in 1938.

She first met Emmett McKillop, her husband-to-be, in about 1924 at Seola Beach where her grandfather had built a cabin for the family and which, like her main home, was a family compound (mostly still owned by family). She loved the cabin at the beach, and spending time there, especially when it was low tide. She and Emmett met again as teenagers, and attended Seattle College, where he was pre-med and she got straight A's. They were married in June, 1943. Oldest son Dan was born in August, 1944, followed by Brian in October, 1947. After finishing medical school at Saint Louis University, Emmett joined Lakeshore Clinic in Kirkland and began his general practice. In December, 1954 they were blessed with another boy, Paul, followed quickly by his Irish twin brother Denis in October, 1955. Outgrowing their home in Kirkland, the family built their current residence on Rose Hill in 1958.

Sis will be remembered lovingly by all who met her, as they were drawn into her ever-widening family circle. Although an introvert by nature, her genuine interest in each person (and ability to remember their details) attracted more people to her house, yard and parties. She was warm, kind, funny, frank and the epitome of unconditional love. She had many, many stories of growing up, making them come alive with the details. She was active in her parish, and anything to do with family. She loved her family-especially grandchildren and great grandchildren-- gardening, reading, and old movies.

She was predeceased by her parents, brothers Jack & Donny, sister Jane Sue and beloved husband, Emmett. She will be remembered and missed by her sons & daughters-in-law: Dan & Colleen, Brian & Patti, Paul & Mary, and Denis & Brooke, thirteen grandchildren and their spouses, ten great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.