Marjorie Bickel

Marjorie Bickel, beloved wife, sister, aunt, friend and more passed away Tuesday, April 5, 2022, in Mount Vernon, Washington. She was 94 years old.

A strong, creative, and thoughtful woman, Marge was born Marjorie Myrn Long in 1928 in Pomeroy, Washington to parents Clark and Hazel Long. Her earliest years were filled with life and stories of growing up, both on the farm and “in town” with her three siblings (Marvin, Eleanor, and Ray).

In 1946 Marge moved to Spokane, Washington.

A few years later, while working at the Bon Marche’ department store she met the dashing Henry Bickel, an engineer with Johnson Controls.

It wasn’t long before the two were married in September of 1951.

Marge and Hank had the privilege to call several places home.

After Spokane, they moved to Mercer Island, Washington, and then Tokyo, Japan followed by Marathon Island, Florida before finding their way back to the Pacific Northwest and settling in LaConner, Washington.

Marge and Hank enjoyed many adventures and travels but perhaps their favorite times were the peaceful moments together on their boat fishing throughout in the San Juan Islands or sitting in their matching leather chairs reading or discussing what they read in the daily newspapers.

Early in Marge’s life she discovered skills for, and a love of, the arts.

She was an accomplished sketcher, painter and sculptor, selling a handful of her early pieces.

She was proud of her work and yet quite humble and never boasted about her capabilities.

Marge spent much of her life admiring and supporting many Pacific Northwest artists and loved attending gallery shows and auctions.

Her education and appreciation of art continued to expand while serving as a docent at the Museum of Northwest Art (MoNA).

Over the years in LaConner, Marge established close friendships with several gifted artists and was excited to share their talents with her friends and family.

Her love of art was contagious!

Throughout her life with Hank, and after his passing in 2002, Marge loved and spoiled her companions – both dogs and cats. They were important family members and were given all her affection and dedication. This love of animals did not end with her pets. Marge had a soft spot for charities with animals as their core mission and gave generously to support their cause.

In addition to her numerous friends, Marge is mourned by her loving sister, Ellie Soderberg and 11 nieces and nephews.

As Marge had hoped, she was given the gift of passing quietly in her sleep. Over the last number of weeks of her life, family and friends were constant visitors and had the honor of sharing stories and expressing gratitude for their relationship with Marge. In place of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Marge’s honor to the Museum of Northwest Art or by supporting a local artist.

Marge Bickel was an impressive woman and will be dearly missed by all, but will be remembered whenever any of us that knew her are moved by a provoking piece of art. A celebration of life to honor Marge will be held on July 8 from 5-7 p.m. at the Museum of Northwest Art in La Conner, WA.

Please visit www.hawthornefh.com to share your thoughts and memories and sign the online guest register.

Arrangements are under the care of Hawthorne Funeral Home, Mount Vernon, WA.