Mary Gracia (Mickelson) Colwell


The family of Mary Gracia (Mickelson) Colwell is saddened to share that following a short, but courageous battle with cancer, Mary departed this life for the next, surrounded by her family, on November 6, 2018 in Everett, Washington.


Mary was born in Everett, May 16, 1947 to Bernard and Margaret Mickelson. She lived her whole life in Everett, attending Jackson Elementary, South Junior High, graduating from Everett High School in 1965, and later Everett Community College.


While attending Everett High School she met, then fell in love with Mike Colwell. They married in 1971. They welcomed two beloved children, Holly and Cody, and early in their marriage, settled into their forever home in the Rucker Hill neighborhood. Their family was Mary's greatest joy, and she was proud of each of her children's accomplishments and the people they grew to become. Their school and activities schedules were her schedules too, and she made sure the family ran smoothly while making time to volunteer and serve as President of the PTA, continue her own education, care for the family's elders, and pursue her personal projects through the years. As the family grew and welcomed son in law Gary, and daughter in law Sophath, the blessings kept coming. Becoming a Grandmother was an especially treasured role in her life. Her three granddaughters held her entire heart, and her hopes and dreams for them (as for her children) were limitless.


Mary had a historian's sensibility. She was an avid reader, especially biographies of any era, and loved to learn about other people's perspectives and what shaped them. She was the main keeper of generations of family lore and we will always be grateful for her time spent gathering and sharing it. She was proud of her family heritage in Snohomish County, especially her Norwegian pioneer roots in Silvana, WA.


Periodically throughout her life, Mary provided her administrative skills to various companies and organizations. As a young woman, she especially loved commuting to Seattle and working downtown. In later years enjoyed her work with Equifax and Senior Services of Snohomish County.


In the late 1980s and throughout the 1990s, Mary's love of local history led her to volunteer with the Snohomish County Museum and Historical Association. Her passion for the stories, photos and artifacts of the county, and her strong fundraising and organizational work were a perfect fit for the museum. She was highly regarded for her efforts and held various positions and offices including Board Secretary, Treasurer and eventually, President. Sharing the untold or forgotten stories of her hometown and surrounding area brought her much joy and was one of her proudest achievements.


Mary's faith in Christianity was strong; she loved the Lord and took comfort in His grace. Zion Lutheran, in Everett, was Mary's spiritual home for many years. She served wherever needed within the church, including on its board, and as its treasurer. She took special pleasure in organizing their yearly St. Nicholas Party for the Congregation and neighborhood children.


Travel was an important part of Mary's life. She and Mike traveled Europe as a young couple, and when their children came along, they made epic road trips part of the fabric of their family life, exploring the country together. Even after the children had moved on to start their own families, Mary and Mike made several road vacations a year, especially to their favorite places in California and Arizona.