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MARY LOUISE (PAETOW) HALE
June 2, 1941 ~ November 1, 2017
Mary Louise (Paetow) Hale died from pneumonia on November 1, 2017 at the age of 76. She passed peacefully with her family at her side.
Mary was born on June 2, 1941, in Astoria, Oregon. The daughter of Louise and Bill Paetow, Mary spent most of her childhood in Vancouver, WA. She graduated from Hudson's Bay High School in 1959; she earned her AA from Clark College in 1961 before completing a BA and teaching certification at the University of Washington.
She married Donald Jay Hale on September 17, 1961 in Vancouver, WA and in 1967 they moved to Everett, WA.
Mary taught in the Bellevue School District, the Everett School District, and at Edmonds Community College (EdCC) for 25 years. After retiring from the EdCC faculty in January 2002, she served as the college's Interim VP for Instruction for three years. Mary loved her work and her many good friends at EdCC.
Mary strongly believed in serving her community. Over the decades, she was a tireless volunteer: Snohomish County League of Women Voters, Planned Parenthood of Snohomish County, City of Everett Planning Commission, City of Everett Civil Service Commission, Greater Everett Community Foundation, Schack Art Center capital campaign committee, Edmonds Community College Foundation board, and many, many more.
Mary was passionate about politics (a "political junkie") and chaired/coordinated, as well as served on, a number of local and national political campaigns. She was an enthusiastic gardener, a non-stop reader and book collector, an organizer of frequent family get-togethers, and a loving grandmother to Margaret and Violet (ages 12 and 9). Her daughters will remember most her energy, her commitment to community and charity, and her love of books and learning.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Bill Paetow and Louise (Ihander) Paetow; daughter, Rachel Hale; sister, Kaylene (Paetow) Powell; brother, Chris Paetow; niece, Barbara Nehler; and most recently by her brother-in-law, Terry Powell, who passed on Monday, October 30.
She is survived by beloved spouse, Don Hale; daughter, Mary Elizabeth Hale; daughter, Sarah Hale Palaia; sons-in-law, Umesh Madan and Tom Palaia; granddaughters, Margaret and Violet Palaia; nieces and nephews, Steve Hale, Dale Nehler, Kiki Hale Horne, Kristin Tennant, and Dan Nehler; and many other family members and friends.
A Celebration of Llife service will be held for Mary at the Everett Golf & Country Club on Saturday, November 25 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m., with a brief eulogy at 3:00 p.m. There will be food, drink, and happy memories. All are welcome.
Please sign her guest book at; www.columbian.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
I had the pleasure of working with Mary at Edmonds Community College, where she still stands out as one of the most energetic and inspiring leaders I've had the pleasure to know. She had a gift for connecting with others and serving her community and though she will be greatly missed, her legacy lives on in many forms: her students and colleagues, her garden, her community, and of course her family, to whom I send deepest condolences.
Holly Hughes
November 24, 2017
I knew Mary from our many years together at Edmonds CC. She was a delightful person. Our talks were always warm. She was genuinely interested in people's lives. She was an excellent teacher.
Dick Mamolen
November 17, 2017
I knew Mary for several years through AFT union activities. I admired the way she worked with all of us and lead the retiree chapter. When I lose someone dear, I read Mary Oliver poems and think about the circle of life and as she writes "I consider eternity as another possibility" May Mary's spirit last for eternity. My thoughts and prayers go to her family at this sad time.
Glenda Hanson
November 15, 2017
I forgot to add my name to the condolence comments I made. My comments include a references to Don and Mary and I working on the Clark College school newspaper. Those years when Don and Mary met on the newspaper and I met my husband Pat were such a grand time in our lives.
MaryBeth Kelly
November 13, 2017
My sympathy to Mary's family. Mary and I attended Clark College together. Both Mary and Don were great pals. We shared many late nights putting out the school paper and many great times during those first years of college.
November 13, 2017
It would be our strongest wish that fate had not proven the truth of the observation that "bad things happen to good people". We cannot think of a couple who worked worked together so well and with so much wisdom and energy to make our world a better place. Our deepest sympathy to the Hale family. Bruce and Barbara Keithly
Bruce Keithly
November 10, 2017
I am heartbroken to hear of Mary's passing and my deepest sympathies go out to Don and the entire family. Mary was mentor to me, both professionally and personally, and much of my garden I owe to Mary. May you find comfort in your own memories and the memories of the hundreds if not thousands of lives Mary affected and influenced.
Melissa Newell
November 9, 2017
Sending my thoughts and prayers to the family and my true best friend Kristin...tough week for the family. Aunt Mary always had a contagious smile. May she rest in peace. Regards
Colleen Dooley
November 9, 2017
Sending love and sympathy to Don and family. Mary was a great instructor putting on classes at the PUD which I coordinated at the time. We became friends as well as business associates sharing many good laughs. Such a classy lady! Sarah and my daughter, Melanie, have been friends since High School and it was Melanie who initially let me know of Mary passing. Such a sad loss and far too soon!
Cindy Wellman
November 5, 2017
Our Sympathies and prayers to Don and family in your loss of Mary. I had the pleasure of knowing and having the support of Mary and Don while serving on the city council. Mary had contagious energy and great wisdom. See will be missed.
Arlan Hatloe
November 4, 2017
My thoughts and prayers to the Hale family. I worked with Don at the Snohomish PUD.
Zeda Williams
November 4, 2017
My sympathy and prayers to the family. Mary was an outstanding educator to both students and faculty at Edmonds Community College and gave so much of her time and talent to the community.
November 3, 2017
Mary was a wonderful friend and colleague at Edmonds Community College. Yes, many laughs and thought-provoking times, as well as lovely luncheons and garden tours through the years. She will be missed by many.
November 3, 2017
The community is saddened with the loss of this vibrant and valuable lady. Mary was impressive in so many uncountable ways. Sue and I will never forget her hospitality and the energy that she contributed to conversation. We wish for Don and the family consolation in this time of grief. Mary will most certainly be there to welcome you when it is your time to go Home. Blessings and best wishes.
Bob Strickland
November 3, 2017
My thoughts and prayers to the Hale family. Mary was my mentor and friend at Edcc. We shared many good times and lots of laughs.
Teri Odegard
November 3, 2017
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