Avis Joy Vye

Obituary Avis Joy Vye Avis' family celebrates the life and mourns her passing after a two year struggle with cancer. Born October 29, 1933 in Grafton, N.D., she passed away peacefully July 18, 2015 in Tacoma. Daughter of Lloyd and Myrtle Lien, Avis grew up in Fairdale, ND alongside elder sister Janet, and younger brothers Gerald and Arliss. She graduated top of her class from Fairdale High School in 1951. After graduation, the family moved to Burbank California, where she worked at Lakeside Country Club in Los Angeles when she met a young marine named Tom McDonough at a USO club on Hollywood & Vine. The young couple moved to Tom's hometown of Tacoma in 1955 and began their family of four. She later remarried to Dennis Vye and worked as a loan officer at Wells Fargo, retiring in 1989. She enjoyed spending time at their beach place in Shelton, boating and skiing. Avis loved sports, and was very proud of the fact that her father Lloyd was once a minor league baseball player, and her brothers were also excellent athletes. Quality time with family always came first, making sure to attend her grandchildren's activities. She always maintained a busy schedule: Monday mornings counting money at the church and in the afternoon was bridge; Tuesday golf, Wednesday biking; Thursday skiing at Crystal Mountain, and Fridays were for hair appointments and shopping. She loved her Seahawks (and most of the time her Mariners), and enjoyed attending games or watching them on TV. In addition to being an avid league bowler, Avis skied throughout the US and Switzerland; biked around France and loved traveling. When younger, she modeled in style shows and was always meticulously dressed. A member of the Tacoma Musical Playhouse, she enjoyed nights out at plays. In addition to being a fantastic cook, she always enjoyed a good meal out and her "tweenies" (shaken, not stirred). Preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd and Myrtle Lien; her brother, Arliss Lien; and grandson, Markus VanAchte. She is survived by her sister, Janet Nordby; her brother, Gerald (Dottie) Lien; her children, Patti VanAchte, Michael (Wendy) McDonough, Kevin McDonough and Terrence (Christina) McDonough; and grandsons, Conor and Kelly VanAchte and Patrick and Brian McDonough. Avis is very much missed by all whose lives she touched. Memorial donations can be made to The American Cancer Society or the Tacoma Musical Playhouse. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, July 31, 2015 at 11:00am at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Tacoma, WA with a reception to follow. Inurnment at Calvary Cemetery. Please leave online condolences at www.gaffneycares.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003.