Mary Vukich Chiddix

Born to Pete & Ann Vukich, Mary was proud to be from Anaconda, Montana. She loved music - playing the clarinet through high school and serving as a Drum Major for her marching band. Graduating from Anaconda High School in 1963, she desired to go to college and become a neurosurgeon. Due to factors beyond her control, this path was not to be, so she eventually relocated to Seattle, Washington where her brother Bob lived. Later, Mary returned home to help care for her mother who was battling cancer. In 1970, while working as a bookkeeper at Don's Sporting Goods in Anaconda, Mary met the love of her life, John Chiddix. The two were married beside the Reflection Pool in Washoe Park on August 22, 1971.
After leaving Don's Sporting Goods, Mary sought a career change and started working in banking. After their son, Olen, was born in 1974, John and Mary's love for the ocean, and desire for opportunities, brought them to the Pacific Northwest. They lived in John's sister (Wanda) and her husband's (Len) home in Seattle managing properties for them while John worked in public housing. They welcomed a daughter, EllenAnn, into their family in 1977 and in 1982 bought their family home in Edmonds, Washington.
Though Mary returned to work in banking, working nights for most of her career so that she could participate in her children's school activities, her passion was her family. She and John chose co-op preschool for their children, allowing them to join their children's school and offering them parent education. Mary served as an Elder at Edmonds Presbyterian Church where she played an integral role in Childhood Education - coordinating Sunday School and Vacation Bible School for many years. While she and John served as PTA Co-Presidents, she received the Washington State PTA Golden Acorn Award – recognizing her distinguished service and leadership. Mary had a staunch belief in the rights and individuality of children. She was far before her time, advocating for a whole-child approach to child-rearing and education. Her lack of opportunity for higher education shaped her hopes for her children. Her pride at their college and graduate school graduations was palpable. When her daughter shared with her that her greatest desire was to raise a family and care for them, she beamed with joy. "That is all I have ever wanted for you, for you to get to choose."
Family vacations were usually spent outdoors, visiting the ocean and camping. Once Olen and EllenAnn were off to college, John and Mary purchased their first motorhome and loved to travel with their beloved dog, Kuchuck. Regardless of where they were, or what the activity was, Mary was happiest when surrounded by family. She loved to plan and cook for family parties/events, as one of her greatest joys was to bring people together. Without question, the highlights of her life were her six grandchildren. Mary is survived by Olen (Anita), EllenAnn (Tim), grandchildren Acacia, Piper, Asher, Alexa, Mary Rose, and Elise. Whether known as Mary, Mom, Mommy, Gramma, Grandma, GeeGee, Momma C, Auntie, Auntie Mary, Auntie Mae, or countless others, everyone in her family loved her dearly and will never forget how deeply she loved them.
Mary was fiercely independent and determined – two characteristics that served her well as she battled significant health issues. Her body was ravaged by non-alcoholic liver disease for many years which ultimately led to her receiving a liver transplant in 2006. This gift of life allowed her to meet and know all six of her grandchildren. She also suffered from kidney disease which progressed and required hemodialysis three times a week for nearly the last five years. In many ways, Mary was a bit of a medical miracle, and we give thanks for all the extra time that we got to celebrate life with her. Regardless of how she felt though, Mary never let her health limit her outlook, even when she lost her eyesight. The Friday before she passed, she was already sharing concerns about how and where we would celebrate Christmas with the family this year as things had gotten more complicated for her. True to form she was always looking forward to celebrating.
The family would like to thank the hundreds of healthcare professionals who cared for her over the years and encourage all who knew her to register as organ donors. Without her transplant, Mary's time here on earth would have been cut much shorter. Charitable donations in her memory may be made to Puget Sound Kidney Center Foundation (1019 Pacific Avenue, Everett, WA 98201) or the charity of your choice.