Obituary

Lana McGinnis passed away peacefully on August 4, 2015 in her home in Edmonds, WA. She was born May 21, 1945 in Bellingham, WA. She is survived by her mother Gertrude Bolster, son Jeff, daughter-in-law Gina, and her beloved grandchildren Sofia and Jack.

Lana is preceded by her father Gordon Colley, Brother Craig Colley, and step-father Jim Bolster.

Lana had a passion for and a love of dance, specifically classical ballet. She learned her love of dance at an early age from her mother, where she would drive her to Edmonds from Bellingham to learn under Dorothy Fisher.

She earned a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts from Cornish College of the Arts which gave her the confidence to build and run her studio, The Ballet Academy of Performing Arts located in Edmonds, WA for over 30 years. Hundreds of young people have come through the school with an inspiring message: “To encourage a love of dance, music, and the arts.” Her students were inspired and walked away with a confidence of being on stage and a better awareness of how to move their bodies.

She loved Hawaii, especially the island of Kauai. For a good portion of her life she spent most Christmas Holidays there with her family and golfing with friends. She enjoyed the sunshine and relaxing atmosphere the island lifestyle provided.

Golf was another passion of Lana’s. She considered it a lifelong endeavor, much like dance, to be practiced, but rarely perfected. She enjoyed the challenge, exercise, and camaraderie that golf provided. She could often be found watching the Open or Masters at her home or with friends.

Lana enjoyed being out on Lake Washington during the summers on her boat with friends or taking her grandkids for a spin. Boating was a part of her life since she was a little girl and thoroughly enjoyed being out on the water.

The Washington Athletic Club in downtown Seattle was one of her favorite hangouts. She enjoyed visiting the grandkids at “Wee WAC’s”, having the school perform “Le Petite Nutcracker” during the holiday festivities, or making it a home base for viewing the play or performance of her choice.

She adored her Sofia and Jack and loved nothing more than to have the grandkids over to ride cars in her dance studio, walk around the beaches in Edmonds, or just relax at Gramma Lana’s house.

Lana was a very dedicated daughter to her mother. She spent most every holiday with her mother and step father until his passing. After Jim passed she was the main caregiver to her mother for several years. They had an amazing bond.

A private burial will be held at Greenacres Cemetery in Ferndale, WA. A celebration of Lana’s life will be held in September to allow all of her students, past and present, to be able to attend.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Lana McGinnis on Saturday, September 26, 4:00PM at Lana’s Studio. Lana’s Studio is located at 22811 100th Ave. W. Edmonds, Wa, 98020