Lana Lee McGinnis
May 21, 1945 - August 04, 2015
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Lana Lee McGinnis
May 21, 1945 - August 04, 2015
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
28 responses to Lana Lee McGinnis
Lori and Heath Symonds says:
August 4, 2015
Hey guys, So sorry for your loss . you are in our prayers and our hearts go out to you and your family . If you need anything please call ? Miss you and God Bless !
The Symonds Family
Susan Benedict Sandell says:
August 4, 2015
I have known Lana since first grade at Columbia Grade school in Bellingham, Washington . We were in many classes together over the years and I especially remember our time as Blubirds and Campfire Girls at Columbia. She was always dressed like a little doll and we had many good times together. At Bellingham high school, we were song leaders together. The whole summer of 1962 we spent practicing our cheerleading moves mostly on their lawn. Lana,of course, was our leader as she had the most dance experience and some wonderful ideas. What a great senior year we had traveling out of town to games and dancing to our wonderful band.
Over the years we had lunches together and meetings for our class reunion’s, always a good time. It’s hard to believe that we reached the age of 70. She surely did not look it. Our 50th class reunion was tons of fun and so great to be with her again. We will all miss her but were better for having known her for so long.
With sympathy and love, Susan Benedict Sandell
Vivian Little says:
August 4, 2015
Dear Jeff and Gertrude,I am so sorry for the passing of your wonderful mother and daughter. I am learning of her passing as a pure accident, while searching for a Sehome High School Classmate’s obituary.
Lana was the person who inspired and helped me to pursue ballet as a career. She passed on to me her love for ballet and music as intertwined and inseperable partners. Lana gave the gift of joy and musicality in the language of ballet to all of her students and for that I am ever grateful.
I am saddened that I lost contact with her and did not have the chance to tell her how grateful I am for her influence in my life. I hope that I am able to attend her memorial service.
I pray to God that your family will be at peace during this difficult time.
With love and grief,
Vivian
Julie Brinker says:
August 4, 2015
Jeff and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family during these difficult times.
Greg & Julie Brinker
Michele Butcher says:
August 4, 2015
So sorry to hear of Lana’s passing. Peace to all of her family from our family. Our daughter Gillian spent many, many hours absorbing Lana’s love of dance. She danced at BAPA for over 10 years and treasures the value of the instruction she received. She worked in the shop and even taught a few beginner ballet classes. But I think what she walked away with was a sense of confidence, discipline, poise, carriage and a lifelong joy of dance…all nurtured by Lana!