Korie (Kupp) Virata, beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend, passed away Oct. 5 at the young age of 41 after a long battle with ovarian cancer.

She was born Oct. 6, 1972, and grew up in Oak Harbor. Korie graduated from Oak Harbor High School in 1990, received a bachelor’s degree in education from Western Washington University in 1995, a master’s degree in educational technology from the University of Washington in 1998 and administrative credentials from the UW in 2004. Korie devoted herself to teaching math at Sedro Woolley High School for the past 18 years.

Korie is survived by her husband, Matthew Virata; her 10-year-old triplets, Abby, Baylor and Carson; her parents, Bonnie and Larry Kupp; sister, Kara (Jim) Werth; mother- and father-in-law, Norma and Ramone Virata; brothers-in-law, Chet and Brad Virata; sisters-in-law, Nora Rodriquez and Eunice Lucas and their families.

She was everyone’s hero — never complained, was a visionary, always hopeful. She loved family and everything that came with it. She had a gift for making people feel special. She loved teaching and the challenge of inspiring students.

A celebration and remembrance of Korie’s life will be held 1-2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26, at Big Lake Elementary School gymnasium, Mtount Vernon. Please bring memories of Korie to share with those attending. Guests will be encouraged to participate or a basket will be available for you to leave special, written memories for her family.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be sent to Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, PO Box 19023, Seattle, Wash. 98109-1023. Checks may be made payable to SCCA with indication that they are “In Memory of Korie Virata/Ovarian Cancer Research.” You may call 206-288-2070 or 877-308-3117 to make a donation by phone or donate online at www.seattlecca.org/donate Korie’s final wishes were that others may find hope and healing through her experiences.