Mary Ellin Stark

Mary Ellin Stark was born on Friday, August 28, 1936, in Syracuse, New York to Andrew and Audrey Pendergast. She died on Wednesday evening, January 12, 2022, at her daughter Carol’s home in Mill Creek, Washington. She was 85. Her husband Marlyn, four children – Stephanie (Mark) Lindsey, Carol (J) Roe, Susan (Bruce) Anderson and Eric (Kim) Stark and many of her 13 grandchildren were there to say goodbye before she passed into the arms of her Savior.

The oldest of five siblings, Mary Ellin’s early childhood memories included spending time with her many aunts, uncles and cousins, using WWII rations books for staples and supplies and lending a hand with her siblings. When she was nine years old, her family moved west to Bremerton WA where her dad worked in the naval shipyard. Bremerton became the family’s permanent residence and Mary Ellin spent her childhood excelling in school and participating in many sports.

Following her years at Bremerton High School, Mary Ellin attended Olympic Junior College, where she met her loving husband of nearly 65 years, Marlyn Stark. They went on to attend Central Washington University, married on the 8th of June 1957, and graduated with B.A.’s in Education in 1958. While they both went on to teach, Mary Ellin took a hiatus after a few years, staying home to raise her four children in Edmonds WA. Making the most of those years, Mary Ellin lead campfire groups, served in the PTA, planned wonderful camping trips, and was an active participant at St. Matthew Lutheran Church. Always the consummate baker, the house was often filled with her cookies, cakes and pies.

Mary Ellin returned to work in 1973 as a paraeducator at Cascade High School in Everett. After several years in that role, she returned to college to renew her teaching certificate and re-start her teaching career in Cascade’s English department. Eventually she became the English department head and served many years as the cheer and girls club director. Always the devoted “Bruin” she and Marlyn rarely missed a football game or school activity. In 1996, Mary Ellin was diagnosed with breast cancer and after finishing the school year, decided to retire in June 1997.

Physical activity and travel were at the top of Mary Ellin’s list of favorites. In the early years that meant camping and road trips; the longest being across the United States and returning through Canada. Each day was meticulously planned and mapped, one of Mary Ellin’s greatest skills. Next came she and Marlyn’s backpacking trips, with two trips through the Bowron Lakes chain. In their later years, there were many trips to Europe and beyond by land and on cruises.

Retirement meant a move to Lacey WA and a home in the 55+ community, Jubilee. There Mary Ellin golfed, edited the community newsletter, lead a book group, actively attended St Mark Lutheran Church, and formed many wonderful friendships. She loved the annual golf cart parade and the multitude of other community activities.

Mary Ellin was preceded in death by her sisters, Joanne Pringle and Sally Sims, and is survived by her husband, Marlyn, brothers Pat and James Pendergast, her four children and their spouses, thirteen grandchildren, and six great grandchildren. A memorial service for Mary Ellin will be held at St Mark Lutheran Church, 2109 College St SE, Lacey, WA 98503 on Saturday, March 19, 2022 at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to St. Mark Lutheran Church in Lacey WA.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Evergreen-Washelli.com for the Stark family.