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Marcia Skinner, 75

Marcia Skinner, beloved by all blessed to have met her, has moved on. Surrounded by her family, Nov. 13, 2017 marked the end of her nearly three year battle with cancer and the beginning of her new life. A victory in itself.

Marcia was born Sept. 11, 1942, to Bert and Leona, in Walla Walla, Wash. She had two older brothers, Hayward and Harlow, along with several dogs and a pony. With Marcia’s departure, the family are now all accounted for and whole again.

Marcia’s life was full of love, adventure and learning. After obtaining her nursing degree in Spokane, she worked and traveled throughout Europe. She returned to the Northwest and met the only man she would ever marry, Pete. They had their first son, Christopher, before moving to Jamaica and then to Florida, where Marcia earned a master’s degree and discovered her true calling as a nursing instructor. She taught at various colleges and universities and did more traveling around the country and abroad before bearing another son, Jason.

Marcia and the boys relocated to Idaho, where she earned another master’s degree while dragging her sons through their teens as a single mother. Life took her on the road again to Southern California and then to Saudi Arabia, where she reconnected with Michael, the kindest man she’d ever met, and with whom she’d spend the rest of her life. The couple returned to the Northwest where Marcia continued teaching and earned her Ph.D.

She spent her retirement years on Camano Island, Wash., where she had everything she needed with Michael, their Yorkie, Marcus, and a spectacular view of the Utsalady Bay. This summer she’ll make one last journey home to her beloved Idaho and her final resting place, the cool waters of Lake Coeur d’Alene.

Arrangements are under the care of Gilbertson Funeral Home Stanwood, Wash.