Mary Mirkovich

was born in 1958 and passed away March 4, 2009 in Kirkland. A lifetime Pacific Northwest native, Mary was born to a Croatian family who immigrated from Velirat, a village on the island of Dugi Otok, on the Dalmatian Coast. Mary grew up on Bainbridge Island, first living in Eagledale before the family moved to Winslow in 1965. In her childhood, Mary enjoyed swimming in Eagle Harbor and performing in impromptu neighborhood outdoor theater productions. Her strong work ethic was honed by many summers picking strawberries at the Chuka's berry farm. After graduating from Bainbridge High School in 1977, Mary joined Pacific Northwest Bell (now Qwest), where she recently celebrated her 30th work anniversary. Mary enjoyed reading, movies, and spending time with friends. Mary also treasured her trips to San Pedro to visit extended family. Although she lived on the Eastside, her heart remained on the island. Mary will be remembered for her kindness, wry sense of humor and generous spirit. Mary is survived by her sister, Betty Mirkovich of Bainbridge Island and brother, John Mirkovich of Kingston, her aunt Bosa Marinov of San Pedro, CA, cousin Maria (Ron) Roemer and family of San Pedro, CA, and cousins Bruno Severa of Milan, Italy and Simeone (Clarita) Severa of Anzio, Italy. Mary is also survived by numerous dear friends. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Matt and Neda Mirkovich. Memorials can be made to the American Heart Association.Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend the visitation on Friday, March 13, 2009 from 4-5:30 PM at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, 1310 Madison Avenue NE on Bainbridge Island. The Recitation of the Rosary will begin at 5:30PM. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, March 14th at 1:00 PM also at the church. A reception will follow the Mass. Private interment at Calvary Cemetery in Seattle.