BEATRICE McLASKEY

La Conner resident Beatrice McLaskey died with her family nearby on Wednesday, December 23.

Beatrice Ruth Christofersen Goodrich McLaskey, daughter of Christian missionaries Arthur and Julia Rau Christofersen, was born near Durban, South Africa in 1918.

Raised at Ifafa Mission and homeschooled with her four siblings — June, Mabel, Howard and Arthur — Beatrice cherished her African heritage all of her life.

Beatrice completed a degree in music at North Central College, near family, in Naperville, Illinois, and went on to teach music at Redbird Mission, Kentucky.

She married widower Charles Goodrich, an Illinois farmer, and became mother to his sons Jack and Howie. Together, they had three more sons — Don, Steve and Bill. Sadly, she was widowed in 1958 and subsequently married Robert McLaskey, helping to parent his two daughters, Perry, Jill, and young son Michael.

Skagit Valley became her home in 1968, and she lived on Bulson Road in a modest home for many years. After her husband Robert died in 1998, Beatrice continued to maintain her home and garden for another decade, enjoying book club and line dancing as well.

Music played the largest role in Beatrice’s life. She patiently taught piano lessons to so many students and was the pianist and choir director at the United Methodist Church of La Conner for many years. Even after a devastating stroke at age 90, Beatrice eventually was able to return to playing piano pieces written for one hand.

She became interested in writing in her last years at La Conner Retirement Inn, including writing her life story with help from local historian and friend Janna Gage.

Beatrice kept a song in her heart for nearly 98 years and was beloved by her large extended family. She died peacefully at home in the loving care of her family on December 23, 2015. She has joined her two departed sisters, June and Mabel, to once again play together under the African sun.

Please join in a Celebration of Beatrice’s life at the La Conner United Methodist Church, 601 Second Street, La Conner, on Sat., February 6, at 1:30 p.m.

Memorial gifts may be made to the La Conner United Methodist Church or Heifer International.