Marie Evans Day

MARIE EVANS DAY January 1, 1956 ~ May 18, 2012 Marie Evans Day, 56, went to be with her Lord, passing peacefully in her sleep on May 18, 2012, in Vancouver, WA, after a courageous and lengthy battle with a glioblastoma multiforme brain tumor. She was surrounded by loving family in her home at the time of her death. Marie was born Jan. 1, 1956, in Bogalusa, LA, the daughter of Roy and Shirley Evans. Marie married Robert "Bob" Day on Feb. 29, 1980 and moved with him to Vancouver, WA in 1982. She fell in love with Vancouver and the Pacific Northwest on her first visit to Vancouver (the day Mt. St. Helens erupted). Later after moving to Vancouver, Marie reveled in being a Northwest "ambassador/tour guide" to many family and friends from Louisiana, guiding countless trips to Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Rainier, Mt. Hood, the Columbia Gorge, the Olympic Peninsula, Oregon/Washington beaches and much more. Marie began her Vancouver career in City/County government, gaining respect and deep admiration, first at Vancouver City Hall as Assistant to numerous Mayors, City Managers and Council Members. Her southern charm was instrumental in developing and facilitating positive working relationships among various organizations, agencies and groups. She was well respected by Vancouver's city leadership, including Councils, for her dedication and commitment to the residents of Vancouver and her ability to bring together competing interests in city management. Marie deeply cared for people and will be sorely missed in the Vancouver community. During a three year leave of absence while she and her husband lived in Green Bay, WI, Marie became a stay-at-home mom, approaching every day as an adventure with her children, Steven and Jennifer, exploring and enjoying "kid-friendly" educational and recreational attractions in the region. In addition, she volunteered as a teaching aid at Steven and Jennifer's school and in City Hall (she said it was "in her blood"). Marie and her family returned to Vancouver in 2001, resuming her career at Clark County Office of Community Development until 2003, when she accepted a position at the Port of Vancouver as Administrative Assistant to the Executive Director and Liaison to the Port Commissioners. Following a rigorous two year human resource schooling effort, Marie became accredited in HR Management and was appointed Human Resource Representative at the Port. Even after being severely disabled by a devastating stroke caused her tumor, Marie returned to the Port on a volunteer basis in 2008 to contribute her knowledge and expertise to the operation of the Port. In addition to her many career accomplishments, Marie volunteered with the American Heart Association and American Cancer Society. She was also instrumental in helping manage several political campaigns in Vancouver. Marie's family is grateful to her many close friends that have so faithfully supported her fight against her illness. Sincere thanks, also, to the surgical, radiation oncology and rehabilitation staffs of Southwest Washington Medical Center, the Southwest Homecare Network nurses (Lisa and Delores) and especially to Dr. Shawn He and his staff at Vancouver Clinic Oncology, for the excellent medical care and compassionate support that Marie received. Marie was faithful in her belief in Jesus, praising Him for her many triumphs over her illness. She was an involved member of the Christian Life Church in Camas, WA, making many close friends and contributing regularly to the fellowship and furtherance of the mission of the church. Marie's family is extremely thankful for the close friendships and prayers of our church family. She is survived by her husband, Bob; son, Steven; daughter, Jennifer; sister, Jo Ann Smith and husband Everette; parents, Roy and Shirley; niece, Haley Smith; sons, (by husband's previous marriages) Jeffrey Wittler and wife Lena and Bryan Capitano and wife Masha; grandchildren, Elliana and Jordan Wittler, both very special in her life. She is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins (Donna, Lisa, Tonie, Paula, Keri, Margaret, Jamey and Shelly) in Louisiana. At Marie's wishes, she will be cremated and a Celebration of Life service will be held at the Water Resources Center in Vancouver on June 8, 2012, at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Christian Life Church in Camas, WA.

Marie Evans Day

January 1, 1956 - May 18, 2012