Marie D Bicknell
September 23, 1928 - September 1, 2008
Obituary
Born Dorothy Marie Walvatne on September 23, 1928 to Clara and John Walvatne in Dover Iowa.
Marie lived in Fergus Falls Minnesota with her 13 siblings until 1941 when she moved to Ballard, WA. While Marie was in school she always worked. Her father told her if she wanted to go to school she had to work. She worked at the Williams potato chip factory, a market, and an ice cream parlor. Marie graduated in 1947 from Ballard High School and was very proud of her diploma; she was the first one in her family to graduate from high school.
After graduation she worked for MGM theaters in Seattle as a secretary. She had a fond memory of meeting Irving Berlin who sang his song ‘Marie’ to her. Marie enjoyed movies and movie stars and loved being entertained by the big screen and plays at local theaters.
In 1948 she met Mark Bicknell and the two fell in love. They were married June 17, 1949. Mark and Marie had two daughters Connie and Pam. Marie was a Girl Scout Leader and was very involved in her girl’s lives. The family camped, went boating and spent many weekends in the great outdoors. Marie loved to sew and cook. Mark and Marie raised there daughters in Tukwila.
In 1965 Marie started work at the Hyatt Regency at Sea Tac as a banquet waitress and soon became head waitress. She retired from the Hyatt in 1990. She loved her job and loved the people she served. Marie never met a stranger, everyone loved Marie.
In 1975 Mark and Marie built a home on Lopez Island in the San Juan Islands where her brother Ed lives. Everyone was welcome to this home away from home and many of her friends and family shared great memories with her there. Marie loved beach combing, watching wildlife, and just being outdoors.
In the last 20 years of her life Marie was very involved with the Tukwila Community Center Senior Center. She played pinnacle there every Tuesday and went on many trips and attended many parties there. She encouraged many others to attend the center. Marie loved the people at the Tukwila Community Center and they loved her.
Marie was a member of the Duwamish Presbyterian Church. She loved God but never preached or judged others.
Marie was very independent; she lived her life to the very end independently, with a little help from friends and family.
Marie is preceded in death by her husband Mark and seven brothers and two sisters.
Marie is survived by daughters Connie McDonald and Pam Ultican, son in laws Pep McDonald and Tim Ultican. Granddaughter’s Sallie Harer Jeff, Ivy Ames Ben and grandson Ryan McDonald Gina and Grandchildren Dylan, Tyler and Lilly.
Marie will be best remembered for the love she had for her family and friends. We loved her smiles, laughter and sense of humor. We loved her forgiving and kind nature. We admired her courage, tenacity and dignity she displayed to carry on for so many years with the burden of being on oxygen yet never complained or let it stand in her way of living a fulfilling life.
She will always be in our hearts.
A celebration of Marie’s life will be held Friday, September 26th 12:00 pm at the Tukwila Community Center. 12424 42nd Ave Tukwila, WA 98168
Please bring memories to share
To the Bicknell Family,
Our deepest sympathy to you all. May your Mother’s love live in your hearts forever. We are so sadden by your loss and our hearts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. God Bless you all.
The Buehler Family
Larry, Donna, Kim & Ronnie
So sorry to hear the sad news. I have soooo many fond memories of Marie as I grew up with her…her daughter Connie and Sister Pam…we probably caused a lot of grey hairs for her when we were in high school! She never let on and always had a “Great” laugh with us. she will be greatly missed, but Always remembered with all the good memories. Colleen Allan
Love and miss you Marie. Your always warm and fun to be around. Putting smiles on all our faces.
Marie was such a unique woman. I am good friends with her granddaughter Sallie and have great memories of Marie as such an upbeat, spunky, light hearted woman. She made people smile. All of those great traits live on in her daughter and granddaughter. She will be missed.
Marie is in good company with her husband and family who paved the way for her. My parents Marcia Skougstadpassed April, 07 and Archie Skougstad passed April, 08 are also at Bonney Watson. They loved visiting with Marie at her Lopez home on several 4th of July weekends. I can hear their laughter now! Maries love for life was contagious. For those of us left behind, the most precious gift are the memories that we carry in our hearts!
Auntie Marie – my favorite aunt….for so many reasons – your sense of humor, your love of family, your open – non judging character yet direct style, your laugh….always greating me with ‘hello Di Di’ – I can hear you as I write this. We miss you Auntie Marie and will always keep you in our hearts. I know you are at peace.
Love Diane
We will aways remember with love your mom. Joanne & Dick
Marie,
I didn’t know you well, as we met only a few times. What I do remember is your quick mind and ready smile. Please say hello to the Lord for me.
Auntie Marie,
Your sense of humor will be truly missed. You always were so excited to see us come visit and always had something funny to share. Madeleine and Andrew loved to visit you on Lopez and see all your beautiful birds. You are one the most real people I know. You always spoke your mind and always had a compliment for whoever came to visit. I will miss you and your infectious laugh. FISH ON!!!
Janeen,Hai,Madeleine and Andrew Do
Marie.. Boss Lady!!! We loved you like a Mom. We had many good times at Lopez.You will always have a special spot in our hearts. Love “Jackson,& Lady Di”
Marie truely was our most loving and colorful Aunt in our families life. We will really miss her smile, wit and hospitally she gave all who came to know and love her. When ever we walk the beaches at Lopez or go by her home we will remember her joyful laugh and great times talking about old family stories around the kitchen table. Aunt Marie has really left a big whole in our lives and heart and will be missed.
Grandma,
You will never be forgotten! I still hear your laugh when I think of you and all of your sayings. I love it that you taught Tyler how to blow kisses and how he laughed at the face that we know how to make. Our silly talents. I love your saying, “The world would be boring if we were all the same” and “Not everyone can be as perfect as us.” You are the sexiest senior citizen I ever met. I love you! Sallie
Marie, you will be missed. It was a pleasure to have known you and be part of your family. I’ll always remember you as a tough old lady and not the typical grandmother. That’s what was so cool about you. Thank you for teaching Tyler how to blow kisses and for being so loving to him. He’ll miss his Grandma Great. Even though we’ll all miss you, it comforting to know that you’re back with Mark and all the loved ones and friends you lost over the years.
marie
you will be missed dearly. you always brought a ray of sunshine to every room you were in. I remember when you gave dylan his nickname of “DILL PICKLE”. We love you and will miss you
love gina
I have fond memories of Marie turning up the energy at a party at the Tukwila Center and was also fortunate enough to share memories with her grand daughter Sallie at their place on Lopez Island. Her vigor will be an inspiration for me always.
What can I say Grandma? I miss you so much!!!! I am so blessed to have your name as my middle name and to have known you all of my life. You are definately an inspiration to me, as to how you lived your life to the fullest. I will miss calling you up to see what new release you have just seen at the movie theatre, or what you did at the senior center, or how your free prime rib birthday meal was at the Foster golf course. I loved driving the old LTD and living in your house in Tukwila. I’ll miss you everyday for the rest of my life, I love you. Love, Ivy
Mom,
I love you a whole bunch, and a whole gob and a whole basket full.
You will be in my heart forever. I miss you more than words could ever say.
I’m happy for you that you are now in heaven and not suffering anymore.
Love Pam
I miss you every day and will for the rest of my life. I love you Mom!
Thinking of you today Mom. Sitting in the ferry line and wishing you were here. Love you,