Mariana Winn Obituary

Mariana Caroline WINN Mariana passed peacefully and joyously into the arms of our Lord in the presence of her family on December 11, 2005 at the age of 84. She was born March 18, 1921 in Kendrick, Idaho. Her family moved to Moscow, Idaho and then to Seattle, Washington when she was 16 years old. There she attended Lincoln High School where she met William J. "Bill" Winn. In 1941 Bill was deployed with the Army to Wrangell, Alaska. Mariana soon followed him to Alaska where they married on May 15, 1942. Their first son, George, was born en route returning from Alaska. After the war the family settled in a small home in Seattle, Washington where their daughter, Ginger, was born in 1948. In 1952, they bought a small farm in Alderwood Manor, Washington; daughter Julie was born the day after the move. Mariana's parents followed them to Alderwood Manor, Washington building a home next door. With help from her father, work then began on Mariana's pride and joy, "the pond." Her enthusiasm for the outdoors became the basis for many picnics with family and friends, camp outs and summer swim days at the pond. While raising three more children - Jan Sage, born in 1954, John, born in 1957, and Joanna, born in 1959; she also began a life of volunteering. She was active in The Countryside Singers, a community choral group. Many hours were also given to her political interests. She dedicated more than thirty years as a group leader for Camp Fire Boys & Girls, teaching outdoor skills and leading community service activities for the youth program. She made a career of volunteering, giving thousands of hours to causes she believed in. As an avid outdoorswoman, musician, artist and gardener she dedicated her life to her family, friends, and countless others through her time and efforts. Mariana was involved in her church, singing in the choir for many years at St. Pius X in Mountlake Terrace, Washington and later at St. Thomas More parish in Lynnwood, Washington. As her own mother aged and entered the Edmonds Nursing Home, Mariana became the Senior Activities Director for seven years. Afterwards, she continued to lead a weekly sing-a-long where she played accordion and harmonica and same old-time songs for 30 years! In 1967, Mariana and friend Louise Marshall organized the Happy Hikers, a weekly hiking club that is still in existence today. At age 65, she completed her dream of a 6-week hiking tour through Europe. Her love of nature was always evident in the gardens surrounding her home and the abundant flowers she cultivated. Mariana is survived by a sister, Elizabeth Welt of Portland, Oregon and her six children: George Winn of Rio Verde, Arizona, Virginia McGuire of Whaletown, British Columbia, Julie Taft of Silverthorne, Colorado, Jan Sage Winn of Black Diamond, Washington, John Winn of Arlington, Washington and Joanna Ruzanka-Stuen of Gig Harbor, Washington; along with 12 grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. Mariana was preceded in death by her husband Bill, and her sister Edwardine Miller. A Celebration of Mariana's life will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 17, 2005 at Beck's Funeral Home, 405 - 5th Ave. S, Edmonds, Washington, (425) 771-1234. She leaves a legacy of zest and love for life and will be greatly missed by her family.