MaryLee Proffitt, 76, a longtime Mount Vernon resident, walked into the arms of her Savior on Jan. 26, 2009, with her family cheering her on. She was born Aug. 7, 1932, in Sedro-Woolley, to Lloyd Lee and Clara Helen (Douglas) Monroe.
The family moved to Anacortes and MaryLee attended grade schools there. Moving back to Sedro-Woolley, she attended and graduated from Sedro-Woolley High School in the class of 1950. She attended Western Washington College of Education (now WWU) on a music scholarship.
In 1951 she met Rodney “Rod” C. Proffitt at the Burlington Skate Rink and in 1952, they married. The couple settled in the Skagit Valley and also lived in Oak Harbor, before returning to Mount Vernon in 1997. MaryLee served as a church secretary for several churches in the area as well as in an ophthalmologist office. She was very active in her church, serving in the choir, on the Board of Deacons, as well as being an elder. She enjoyed sailing, camping and especially traveling to Yuma, Ariz., and Hawaii. She liked to cross stitch and she also sang professionally as a soprano soloist. She took great pride in becoming the first female commodore at the Oak Harbor Yacht Club.
MaryLee is survived by her three daughters and sons-in-law, Cynthia (Rick) Babington of Mount Vernon, Sherrill (Paul) Tyacke of Sedro-Woolley, Shirley (Tom) Rees of Mount Vernon; a sister, Jane Monroe of Mount Vernon; a step-sister, Lynn Rivord-Rennie of Las Vegas; and a sister-in-law, Shirley Cross of Maryland. She is also survived by her six grandchildren, Scott Connors, Kristen (Bryan) Hancock, Travis Rees, Staci (Mike) Downing, Shelli Doe, Arrianne Babington; three great-grandchildren, Riley Hancock, Brandon Downing and Damien Downing; her niece and goddaughter, Jeannie Wright; her nephew, Paul (Rhonda) Tingley; as well as other relatives and many friends. Her special cat, Callie, also survives her.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband of 46 years, Rod. A public memorial service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 31, at 2 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church Mount Vernon, 1511 E. Broadway, Mount Vernon. Memorial donations may be made to the Presbyterian Church Mount Vernon memorial fund, or to Skagit Hospice, 819 S. 13th Street, Mount Vernon, WA 98274. MaryLee’s family wishes to extend a special thanks to the staff and residents of Where the Heart Is, as well as a special thanks to the staff of Skagit Hospice for all of the compassion and care given to their mother. You may share your memories of MaryLee, and sign her online guest register at www.kernfuner
alhome.com.
Arrangements are under the care of Kern Funeral Home.
