Mary Catherine (Sullivan) Vanderzicht died peacefully on May 9, 2011. She was born in Butte, Mont., on Oct. 1, 1918, the daughter of James and Julia Sullivan of County Cork, Ireland. Mary moved to Oak Harbor with her parents in May 1919.
Mary married John Vanderzicht on May 19, 1941, in the first marriage ceremony performed at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Coupeville. Their five daughters, Ann (Terry) Gottberg of Burien, Fran (Carl) Carlson of Seattle, Cathy Vanderzicht of Oak Harbor, Mary Beth (Don) Meno of Bothell, and Patti (Michael) Gats of Seattle; 15 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild survive her. Her parents, husband, and an infant brother, James, preceded Mary in death.
Mary was an active member of St. Augustine’s Catholic Church. She served in many capacities over the years including the Altar Society and the Catholic Daughters. She was a Eucharistic Minister and brought Communion to the homebound. Mary was selected to be a member of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.
An avid bridge player, Mary enjoyed her many bridge groups and was always up for a game! Mary and John traveled extensively throughout the world. In later years, Mary continued traveling with her five daughters. She never turned down an opportunity to take a trip or gather with family and friends. She loved to be on the go!
Mary was Irish through and through! She loved St. Patrick’s Day festivities and was the Grand Marshal in the Oak Harbor parade one year. She kept in contact with her cousins in Ireland and made several trips to visit them. As Mary said, “I lost my Irish name, but not my Irish spirit!”
An enthusiastic sports fan, Mary followed her favorite teams, the OHHS Wildcats, the UW Huskies, the Mariners and Seahawks. She played basketball for OHHS before graduating in 1936.
Mary’s family would like to thank caregiver Linda Pickering and the staff at Harbor Care and Regency on Whidbey, for their attentive care.
A vigil service will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 19, at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church in Oak Harbor. A funeral Mass will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, May 20, at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church with reception following at Wallin Funeral Home.
Memorial donations may be made to Children’s Hospital (www.seattlechildrens.org) or to the charity of your choice. Arrangements are entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel where friends may go online at www.burleyfuneralchapel.com to sign a guest register and leave memories for the family.
