Mary Jane Sinkovich

Mary Jane (Vlahovich) Sinkovich passed away at her longtime Tacoma home on January 6, 2025. She was the absolute best mother, mother-in-law, grandma, aunt and friend. We were blessed to have had her in our lives. 

Mary was born in Tacoma, Washington, to George and Dobrila Vlahovich. She was a member of Holy Cross church, attending St Patrick’s grade school, Aquinas Academy and later graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Education from the University of Puget Sound as a proud member of Pi Beta Phi sorority. 

During her senior year at UPS she met the love and strength of her life, her husband, John Sinkovich. Mary pursued her passion for education and for 28 years, shared her talents teaching Elementary School and Children with disabilities in the Tacoma School district. 

Mary and John enjoyed 56 years together traveling coast to coast to attend Senior golf and LPGA tournaments, and having many fun adventures traveling and golfing with their buddies Joe and Beverly Marcelia. In 1973, she became a member of the Fircrest Golf Club, where many friendships were formed while playing golf, bridge and mahjong. In later years, she spent time with her beloved pets, doing jigsaw puzzles, gardening and chatting with her grandchildren.

Mary was happiest spending time with her family. Mary and John shared their love with daughter Marla, son-in-law Lynn Walters, grandchildren Quinn Walters and Kira (Walters) MacPherson (Chad). She especially enjoyed their trips to Hawaii, Palm Desert, Rockaway Beach.

Mary will be remembered for her love of family, fun, and her creative spirit, which were always present in her activities. She was known for hosting large family gatherings always celebrating with homemade dinners, pies and Croatian desserts.

As a member of the Slavonian American Hall, Mary also looked forward to times with her extended family: Frank (Lisa), Fred (Kerry), Matt (Maureen), Dobrila Marinkovich; Jeff (Helene) Marcelia, Jana (Paul) Marcelia Werner; Mary Stewart-Savoy, John (Sue) & Howard (Kathy) Stewart; Bob DeMark; Joe Borovich of Vancouver BC; and extended family in Croatia.

She was proceeded in death by her husband John Albert Sinkovich, her brother George Vlahovich Jr. and her Sister Ann D Marinkovich. She will be dearly missed by her entire family. 

A Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Tacoma on February 28th at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, please donate blood in honor of Mary or a donations may be made to the WSU Department of Art Excellence Fund which would support the Arts and creativity that Mary loved and enjoyed.