Hazel Marie Lillquist — known to all her family and friends as “Marie” — passed away peacefully at Highline Hospital on Thursday, Nov. 20.

Marie was born on Vashon Island to Otto and Hazel May Therkelsen on Aug. 18, 1921. She was the fourth of six siblings. Marie lived her whole life on Vashon, where she had/has deep and continuing roots. Her grandparents settled at Center in 1871, and now, five generations later, her grandchildren continue to reside on Vashon. Residency is not her only tie to Vashon.Marie was the one who chose green and gold as the school colors for the Vashon High School Pirates. She was in one of the first classes to graduate from Vashon High School. She was an original switchboard operator for the phone company.

Marie married Frank Shride in 1942 and they had five children together. In 1971 she married Gustaf (Gus) Lillquist. Gus preceded her in death in 2007.

Marie was an amazing and accomplished woman. She was artistically gifted and her paintings had such incredible detail they appeared lifelike. She expressed her artistic side by painting, crafts, and ceramics. She was also an accomplished seamstress and made her children’s clothes from pajamas to prom dresses, and even made all their ski pants and parkas. In later years she crocheted and knitted, amassing over 40 sets of baby sweaters, with matching hats, booties, and blankets. New babies of family and friends were beautifully outfitted.

Marie was also an imaginative and gourmet cook. Her collection of 48 hand written cook books is destined to be a Guinness world record. She began collecting recipes in 1931 and had recipes for everything, the majority of which she had tried at least once. Her recipes bear her “culinary” hand written remarks.

Marie, along with husband Frank, acted as foster parents for many years. Their last foster child – Ronald Dyer – was with Marie from age 4 to age 19. He preceded Marie in death.

Later in life, despite her limited mobility, Marie continued to stay busy by painstakingly refurbishing teddy bears and other stuffed animals and donating them to agencies that helped children in need. However, the highlight of her weeks was the Monday and Thursday bridge games and her bridge family.

Marie is survived by her children Carolyn (J.C.) Wingfield, Tanya Michaels (Larry Smalley), Mike Shride, Brad Shride (Amy Griswold) and Kimm Shride, step-son Jay Lillquist, brother and sister-in-law, Bob and Kay Therkelsen, grandchildren C.G. (Nicole) Hartness, Temple Wingfield, Dayna (Andy) Coen, Troy (Nicole) Wingfield, Andy (Evelyn) Shride, Jessica Shride, and Taylor Shride, and eight great grandchildren.

Marie was a wonderful mother, counselor, friend and role model to her children. She will continue to guide them from afar. She was dearly loved by all who knew her and will be sorely missed.

Services will be held Saturday, Nov. 29, 2008, at 1:00 p.m. at the Island Funeral Service with a reception to follow the service. A viewing will take place immediately before the service.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Children’s Hospital.

Please visit our online guest book at www.islandfuneral.com.