Marcia (Marcie) Marie (Fellows) Vinge
August 21, 1945 - December 1, 2018

"Tribute to Marcie by Holly There aren't enough words to describe my wonderful sissy, Marcie. Being the two "middle children" in our family, we shared a special bond that will live on in my heart forever. She loved asking people "who is older" between the two of us, and even though she was (by 8 years), they often would respond that I was the older one. She absolutely loved that answer and found it very amusing. I didn't always find it quite as funny (ha ha). We enjoyed spending time together and doing things we shared in common like playing games, being with family and friends, and laughing. There are so many stories, but one of my favorites related to the flannel board stories she made. There was one called "Gus, the Runaway Guinea Pig," and since I owned a few, she made a copy for me, complete with all of the characters (pieces) to tell the story. We were visiting our Aunt Vernice up in Everett along with my Dad and friend, Ruby, and Marcie started to tell this story. However, since she didn't have her easel board with her, she began to act it out on her black and white shirt. My dad laughed so hard he nearly fell out of his chair, and by the time she finished we were all in tears from laughing so hard. I know this is difficult to imagine, but I have a picture to prove it. In our family Marcie was known as the "Communicator" because EVERYONE (even those living in Spokane) talked to Marcie. It was amazing to hear from one of the family in Spokane what was happening here in Seattle. The "grapevine" is an amazing resource for information. Do you remember the California Raisins doing - "I heard it through the grapevine"? Most of the time we were best friends and spent hours talking to each other on the phone. Sometimes we would argue (as sisters do), but it wouldn't take long before we were back to laughing and having fun. When Marcie started having some serious health issues, I tried to be at most of her doctor or dentist appointments to be "another set of ears" so she understood what was discussed. I always wanted to help her if it was possible for me to do so, but the same was true for her. When I needed her support, Marcie was by my side every step of the way. Our family would especially like to thank her caregivers at Ballard Center and at Avalon for taking such good care of Marcie. Your kindness and compassion is greatly appreciated. We would also like to recognize the (more than) superior support of Providence Hospice in Seattle. Their understanding of the needs for individuals nearing end of life care AND also for their family and friends is beyond compare. If you'd like to make a donation in memory of Marcie, please go to https://washington.providence.org/donate/ hospice-of-seattle-foundation/ways-to-give. I've waited until the day before her memorial to write these thoughts because sometimes it doesn't seem real to me. Marcie selected me to convey her wishes - including one to family and friends which said in part, "I want memories of my life to give them joy and not sorrow." Right now that may seem difficult to embrace, but I know from past experience that the best memories we have of people we love live on in our hearts forever. "

"Pat Remembers Marcie I met Marcie in 2003 after getting to know her sister, Holly. At that time Marcie lived in Holly's house in DesMoines, and I frequently went over to help with chores or yard work. Later when Marcie moved into her own apartment in West Seattle, I tried to visit as often as possible to go to the store for her or help with whatever needed to be done. Many times when we were done for the day, Marcie and I would play a card game called Golf. It was a perfect game for the two of us, and I enjoyed the time we spent together. I found she was a wonderful listener and if something was bothering me, she usually offered good suggestions and I felt somewhat better after talking to her. I loved being able to join in with their family and friends playing games and/or for food (my favorite thing). I'll never forget Marcie's yummy Porqupine Meatballs. Soon I felt like part of this wonderful family, who care so much about each other. Holly and I often went places with Marcie such as regular attendance at a senior aqua aerobics class at the Southwest Community Pool in West Seattle, and one year we even went to the Washington State Fair. We had lots of fun playing cards and watching fireworks on TV when some of us got together on the 4th of July or New Years Eve, especially when family friend Eleanor came with her wonderful "Deviled Eggs". This Christmas I'll remember Marcie once gave me some cookie jars for my collection - 2 penguins, 1 snowman, and 1 with a stack of 3 packages tied with ribbon and a bow. These are lovingly displayed on a bookshelf in the apartment I share with Holly, along with some other holiday favorites. Marcie lived her last few years at Ballard Center where Holly and I would join her friends Dottie and Marie in playing Dominoes (Chickenfoot or Mexican Train), "Who Knew", and other games. Sometimes when family friend Laura joined us, we played "Catch Phrase" which is a team game and I was usually Marcie's partner. I loved giving Marcie some of my drawings which were displayed on the walls in the room she shared with Marty. Sometimes we would take up "critter food" and enjoyed feeding the ducks who stayed in the courtyard pond of this skilled nursing facility. Occasionally we even saw baby ducks when it was the right time of year. We sometimes took Marcie's black and tan dauchsand - Lissie - to visit her, but we didn't visit the ducks then because Lissie barked at them. Marcie spent her last 30 days living at Avalon Care Center in Federal Way. Her sister, Holly, works there 3 days a week as an Activities Assistant, and I volunteer there usually on the same days helping maintenance or assisting Holly on Saturday's doing Activities like sing-alongs, Bingo, etc. It was such a blessing to have her nearby and we got to spend time everyday with Marcie since we live only 15 minutes from Avalon. Usually Holly or I would sit and watch TV (Wheel of Fortune was a favorite) or listen to one of the music channels available on her TV. If I was doing things at home or running errands, Marcie would ask Holly, "Where is MY PAT". I felt so special that she referred to me in this way. Marcie was a very important person in my life for the last 15 years. She was a loving and caring person who wanted to help people whenever she could. I will miss her smile and her laughter, but I have many wonderful memories that will live on in my heart forever. "

"My heart goes out to all of the family. May you take comfort in knowing Marcie is no longer in pain. Hold those special, happy moments close to your heart. With Sincere Sympathy, Kay Larsson"

"I remember how kind my mom was, always thinking of others. The many years and hours we spent listening to music while playing the many card games she taught me. She was a single parent and did such a good job taking care of me and my brother in when we were children. She was den mother of our campfire group and cub scouts. Her friends and daycare family here in Spokane have shared so many memories with me of the impact she made on their lives as well as the many kids lives she took care of. Hollie Burke recently told me her kids speak of the many great things she added to their lives and will remember her forever. I enjoyed recently hearing of the many stories she had of my mom and all the daycare kids who called her "Miss Marcie". Even over many miles from each other i could call and talk to her for hours about fun times and trying times in my life, she always had words of wisdom and support for me. I will love you forever mom and will remember you with the great smile you always had especially when we were able to spend time together.!!"