Mary Margaret Boone

She was born July 25, 1934 to Markley and Viola (Hermansen) LaPointe in Crystal Falls, Mich.

Mary graduated from Marinette High School in 1952. When she was 19 her family moved to Everett, Wash., where she immediately enrolled in Providence Everett School of Nursing. After graduating from nursing school, Mary spent a year as a nurse in Hawaii and then returned back home where she began working at the VA Hospital in Seattle. It was at this time she met the love of her life, Warren Boone, at a mutual friend's wedding. Mary and Warren were married just 6 months later on March 19, 1960. They wasted no time in starting a family; beginning with Beth and by 1966 had added Molly, Mike and Trisha.

They first made their home in Mt. Vernon, Wash., and later moved to Marysville where they lived until 1977. At that time the family relocated to Centralia, Wash., where Mary lived until her death.

Mary’s career as a nurse was sporadic. However, a few of her proudest moments included the Migrant Farm Workers Nursing Program in Skagit Valley, starting the first WIC program in Snohomish County and helping relocate the residence of Rosary Manor from St. Helen Hospital in Chehalis to Providence Centralia Hospital. She officially retired from nursing at age 63. Her longest nursing job was at St. Helen Hospital, where she was best known for her ability to mentor younger nurses and communicate effectively with doctors, patients and families.

Mary was first and foremost a mom. She put aside her nursing career during her kids’ younger years to focus on them. She always had a clean house and wonderful meals ready for her brood! One of her biggest challenges was when her husband had to work in Chehalis while the family still lived in Marysville. This went on for 1 ½ years, but through a strong hand and lots of love she made sure the family survived the separation. Finally, in 1977, the family moved permanently to Centralia and made a new life in Southwest Washington.

Mary was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Besides her husband and kids, the church was her other family. Throughout her 36 years at St. Mary’s, Mary wore many hats. Her biggest role was as choir director and member. She started the YAH (Young at Heart) Singers, was chairwoman of the Liturgy Committee, participated in the Centennial Committee, the stained glass window drive, Parish Council, and was a member of St. Martha’s Circle. Her devotion was her family and the church.

After the kids grew up, Mary and Warren (Dan) loved to travel. They ventured to places like Hawaii, Mexico, Hong Kong and took their RV all over the U.S.

Mary was known for any excuse to party! She loved to celebrate. When her father would have turned 100, she decided we’d have a big crab feast and celebrate as a family. And when her 50th wedding anniversary should have occurred she said, “He may be gone, but I’m still married and I want a party!” So we had a 50th anniversary party!

Besides celebrations, she was also known for her love of reading. It wasn’t uncommon to come over and see her with Jackie (her dog) sitting in her chair, book in hand.

Mary is survived by four children and their spouses, Elizabeth (Gabe) Toma, Chehalis, Molly (Rocky) Jones, Seattle, Michael (Lora DeMars) Boone, Centralia and Trish (Steve) Aust, Adna; eight grandchildren, Robert Lintott, Mona Toma, Ryan, Liam and Graeme Neese, Brittany Boone, Matthew and Morgan Aust; two brothers, Markley (Lorean) LaPointe and Peter (Mary Brown) LaPointe; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Warren L. Boone and her parents.

Memorials may be donations to St. Mary’s Parish for the new piano (her latest project) or to Visiting Nurses Foundation.

The Memorial Mass will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 225 N. Washington Centralia, Wash., on Tuesday, August 13, 2013 at 11:00 a.m., with Father Tim Ilgen presiding. A luncheon will follow at the church.