Jeanne Marie Marks

Jeanne Marie Marks 1933 - 2012 Jeanne Marks, 78, passed away at her daughter's home in Boise, ID, on June 11, 2012, after a courageous battle with lung cancer. Jeanne was born December 21, 1933 to Lucille and Wallace (Bob) Butts in Belle Fourche, South Dakota. She grew up in Olympia, WA, graduating from Olympia High School in 1951. She played the flute in the marching band and was valedictorian of her class. She attended the University of Washington and graduated in 1955 with a degree in pharmacy, receiving Phi Beta Kappa honors. At the UW, she was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority where she made many lifelong friends and continued friendships from high school, reconnecting often at reunions around the west coast and in Lucca, Italy. Jeanne married Stanley G. Marks in 1957 and had one daughter, Melinda. After living in Boise and Los Angeles, they moved back to the Seattle area, settling in Bellevue, WA. They enjoyed skiing, fishing and boating. They took many memorable adventures, traveling to Greece, Hawaii and Mexico among others. In 1974 they purchased property at Davis Head on Lopez Island and built their treasured summer home. They became passionate salmon fishermen and enjoyed to the fullest all the best of Lopez - crabbing, clamming, beach picnics and Fourth of July fireworks. Jeanne was a dedicated pharmacist for Group Health for 27 years and retired to Lopez Island in 1995. She was actively involved in the island community, volunteering and on the Board for Lopez Hospice and Davis Head. She had a soft spot for animals, especially cats, and befriended strays, welcoming many into her home. She found peace in the natural beauty and wildlife of the islands. Jeanne will be remembered for many things. She was very kind and compassionate and had a love of nature, gardening, opera and cooking delicious meals. She had a wonderful sense of humor and a quiet charm, which drew to her people of all ages and backgrounds. Jeanne spent much of the last year in Boise with her family, displaying grace and patience and retaining her sweet disposition despite her illness. Her faith in the Lord comforted her throughout her life and in her final days. She was preceded in death by her parents, former husband Stanley, and sister Cherie Howry. She is survived by her daughter Melinda Marks (Brett Troyer), grandchildren Camille and Stockton Troyer, niece Jenny Gooding and her children Tessa and Jake Gooding, and many other nieces and nephews who loved her dearly. A memorial service is planned later this summer at Center Church on Lopez Island, with a graveside service to follow in the Lopez Island Cemetery. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to causes special to Jeanne, Lopez Animal Protection Society (LAPS) or Lopez Island Hospice.