Virginia Beverly Mclean

Obituary Those we have loved leave treasures behind that time can never take away. Virginia Beverly McLean died peacefully in her sleep on the 3rd of October at Franke Tobey Jones Retirement Center, where she had made her home for over a decade. Ninety two years young, she overcame many health challenges in the last chapter of her life and died as she lived, in charge of her destiny. Virginia was born on August 30, 1916, in Seattle, Washington to parents John and Margaret. She lived in Bryn Mawr, Washington. A highlight of her childhood was traveling up the Alcan Highway when it was still a dirt road and to Mexico in a sidecar motorcycle before she was 5 years old. She enjoyed fishing with her father, spending time with her Grandmother Irving, playing with her sister and sharing time with friends and dog Bob in her rowboat on Lake Washington. She was active in Camp Fire, maintaining friendships made there for many years. Virginia graduated from Franklin High School in Seattle. She was active in sports, lettered in basketball and was captain of the girls' soccer team. She was a finalist in the state's oratorical contest. She met her husband Harold Elliott McLean, while attending a church camp. They were married in 1938 and celebrated 62 years together. The family lived for over 50 years in the home they built in the north end of Tacoma. Mom devoted her life to raising her four children. Camping, gardening, scouting and church activities were favorite times the family shared. The family yard was a gathering place for all the neighborhood children. Mom was an active member of the First United Methodist Church on K Street in Tacoma for over 70 years. She taught Sunday school, sang in the choir, was a lifelong member of the Fellowship Club and participated in many of the activities and events at the church, gladly volunteering her time and talent. A creative story teller, Mom loved working with young children. Her greatest joy in life was supporting and helping others. We celebrate and bless her for her gifts. Her lessons will continue to guide us, memories of her sense of humor will make us smile and her love of family, church, nature, animals and music remind us of a life well lived. Virginia was preceded in death by her husband, her grand-son-in-law Cameron Kelley and "daughter" Ida Fisher. She is survived by her sister Beverly Butler (Johnny), Renton; her children and their extended families: Judie McLean Bilderback (John), University Place, Jerry McLean (Carol), Bellingham, Julie Schenck (Otto), Graham, Jan Tweedt (Jim), Bothel, seven grandchildren: Sadie McLean Johnson (Dan), Shelli Sheppler, Jason Schenck (Ashley), Stacy Kelley, Sarah Swart (Tony), Patrick Tweet, Ryan Tweedt (Lonna), nine great-grandchildren: Jeremiah Johnson, Makayla Swart, Alexys Swart, Danny Tweedt, Tony Tweedt, Priscilla Valdez (David), Alisa Tweedt, Jazmine Tweedt, Samantha Gross, one great-great-grandchild: David Valdez III, nieces: Nadean Rood and Tina Misener their children and extended families and cousin: Leola Olson. The family wishes to extend their appreciation to all the caring and supportive staff at Tobey Jones, who exceed their mission statement of providing an environment that enriches and extends the lives of all those who are fortunate enough to make TJ their home. A special thank you to the nurses in Our Place for their friendship and kindness during Mom's final years and to Franciscan Hospice for the comfort they provided Mom and our family during her final days. At her request, no service will be held. Remembrances may be made to Franke Tobey Jones at 5340 No. Bristol, Tacoma, Washington or to your favorite charity. Friends and relatives are welcome to share memories or leave online condolences at www.GaffneyCares.com.