Mary Owl Melquist
March 17, 1936 - October 31, 2016
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Mary Owl Melquist
March 17, 1936 - October 31, 2016
Obituary
Mary Owl Melquist was born on March 17th, 1936 in Hayward, Wisconsin. She grew up on Indian Reservations in Wisconsin, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Idaho. Her father Frel Owl, an Eastern Band Cherokee, was one of the first Indians to work as a Superintendent for the Bureau of Indian Affairs and was transferred from reservation to reservation.
Mary’s mother and father, both teachers, urged Mary to seek education off the reservation. She went to Abbott Academy, Mount Holyoke for two years of college, and graduated from the University of Idaho where she got a BS in Home Economics and Music. In 1958 she married Dean Melquist, moved to Colorado where she lived for 52 years and raised two children: Ben and Tiana. Throughout her life, Mary learned to live in two worlds gracefully, fusing her Native American upbringing and heritage with life off the reservation.
In her professional life, Mary worked as a high school teacher, and then decided to pursue an RN degree. She worked as a recovery room nurse for 25 years, and was vitally interested in medical mission work which she did in Monte, Mexico as part of a surgical team. She went nine years in a row to Mexico, and also did mission trips to Guatemala to work in a girls’ home.
Mary’s true passion was music and she had a gift –her musical career started at the young age of 9 as an accompanist. She was involved in music her entire life; she directed the Central Presbyterian Church Choir for 22 years in Longmont, CO, organized numerous community choir and musical productions, accompanied the Longmont Children’s Chorale, was involved as a board member and musician with the Longmont Symphony, and lovingly accompanied and mentored countless students and soloists over her lifetime. She had a special way of encouraging people to use their talents for the enjoyment of all and to the glory of God.
In 2010 Mary and Dean moved to Bellingham so that Dean could receive dementia care. Mary became a vibrant part of the community and resumed her involvement in music and church. She was an enthusiastic and loyal member of the First Congregational Church (and choir) and the Whatcom Chorale. She flourished with music and friendship in Bellingham and loved her friends dearly. She also loved being near the water again, as in her youth, and felt surrounded by the beauty of the outdoors.
Mary died October 31st, 2016 at Summit Place Assisted Living with her son and daughter at her side. She died from complications due to amyloidosis. During her last few months, she was surrounded and cared for by friends and family and was absolutely full of love in her final moments.
She is preceded in death by parents Gladys and Frel Owl, and sister Tiana Owl. Her husband Dean Melquist died in Bellingham Jan 12, 2014.
Mary is survived by loved ones near and far. Son Ben Melquist and his wife Judy Consiglio of Vancouver, WA. Daughter Tiana Melquist, husband Norman Stolzoff and granddaughter Eleanor Stolzoff of Bellingham. Loyal sister Frela Beck and brother-in-law George Beck of Cherokee, NC. Niece Amy Thompson (and husband Gene), nephew Emil Beck (and wife Annalise). Sister-in-law Karin Rebuldela, and nephews Rob Rouse (and wife Sheri), Marc Rouse (and wife Rachel). Marsha Stolzoff, Obe Hasson, Russell, Steven and Isabel Stolzoff. Partner in mischief, Deb Brown.
A Celebration of Mary’s Life will be held on Saturday, November 19, 1:00pm at the First Congregational Church of Bellingham, 2401 Cornwall Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First Congregational Church Love and Justice Space, 2401 Cornwall Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225.
Celebration Of Life
- Date & Time: January 1, 1970 (12:00 AM)
- Venue: First Congregational Church
- Location: 2401 Cornwall Bellingham, WA 98225 - (Get Directions)
12 responses to Mary Owl Melquist
Jeanne Werner says:
October 31, 2016
Mark and I send our love and sympathy to all Mary’s family. We are flooded with such fond memories of our wonderful years we knew Mary when she, Dean, Tiana, and Ben lived in Longmont. Through the incredible music gifts she shared with us as our choir director, playing her harpsichord ad the piano, music just flowed out of her soul, and we all were so blessed by that. Even more importantly, we all loved the crazy and fun times we shared with the Melquists, Rebuldelas, Dicks’s, Chandlers,, Amens, Smoots, and all the Central friends we played volleyball with, biked over Vail Pass, had parties, etc. She lived her life as an incredible example and inspiration to so many, and she will be dearly missed. Blessings to all your family.
Katie Humes says:
October 31, 2016
What a full life and a wonderful woman. I’m glad I met her, but wish I had heard her sing. Kurt and I will be there on Saturday. Sending love to Mary’s family.
Marsha Alan says:
October 31, 2016
I first met Mary at a Musical Notable’s rehearsal and felt we bonded immediately. Her laughter, intellect and seeming deep interest in me had me yearning for more time, but the piano beckoned and I was blessed hearing music that was as beautiful as she. A huge bonus when I took my granddaughter to my childhood church and found Mary singing and accompanying on the piano. We’d always hoped to get our granddaughters together. I enjoyed visiting at Old Mill Village, the apartment building my uncle owned and my retired parents decided to manage. The bonus for me was mowing those acres of grass during my summer break. I felt Mary and I had another bond.
When soup was delivered I would never guess Mary was ill, she welcomed me warmly and talked about her youth. I brought Gerbera daisies stating her smile reminded me of those vibrant ‘smiling’ blossoms. They always will.
I will hold her in my heart forever, she was a blessing to know.
Deepest condolences in the loss of your mother.
Daniel Friedman and Vinnie Hansen says:
October 31, 2016
We have such warm memories of Mary (and Dean). Occasionally, one or the other of us worried about some medical problem. Mary was our “go to” medical guru who kept us calm and gave us expert instructions over the phone. She was a pioneer in providing long distance medical advice…at least in our case :)
Staying at Mary and Dean’s home in Longmont was a treat with Mary’s warm smile, sense of humor, ready coffee pot and unique Native American Art decorating the walls.
We will forever hold Mary dear in our hearts and strive to live life as fully and gracefully as she did.
Faye Honea says:
October 31, 2016
I was blessed to get to know Mary..we shared a table and many laughs as we spent times with our dear loved ones at Highland Care center. She loved and gently cared for Dean. Even tho he couldn’t talk..his eyes were full of love for her. Her piano playing there was legend..people from all over the bldg. would gather. I’d tell Dean that it was his girl-friend playing..he’d smile so wide and sweetly!Loved meeting Tiana and Ellie on many occasions.
Mary made the situations so much sweeter and easier to bear..even the good-byes.
I really loved getting to know her story and I know she wasn’t well so much of the time..but smiled thru it all.
For His Kingdom,
Faye Honea