Rochelle Munger, cherished daughter of Barney and Sharon Munger and one of the Island’s own, journeyed on in the early morning hours of Friday, July 27, after a lengthy struggle with cancer. Rochelle was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on July 5,1964. She came west with her parents to California and then to Washington and Vashon Island in 1967. A lifelong sportsperson ( “ I’m just a female jock..” and “….my time as a Seattle Mariners ballgirl was a ton of fun!” ) with deep involvements on many levels in Island soccer, basketball, volleyball, track, and softball. Rochelle was the Chautauqua Elementary School phys.ed teacher for many years and also taught healthy living and phys.ed at McMurray Middle School until recently. She absolutely loved her job and was hugely committed to being a positive force in her students’ lives. Rochelle’s many interests included a passionate desire to be picking the 5-string banjo and playing Bluegrass music whenever and wherever possible. She became a very talented player and performer, a gift to her audiences and to her bandmates in Riverbend, Rock Island Experiment, Bob’s Your Uncle, and Highway 16 among others. Rochelle dealt with her illness these last eight years with magnificent courage and grace. Her concern for the happiness of others obvious, she was compassion and generosity in action. When in her presence, you couldn’t help but know you were okay and loved. Her sunny smile and infectious laugh always ready to brighten your day. Being grateful ( “…gratitude is the attitude.” as she liked to say ) for your chance to enjoy this life was implicit. Left behind are her mother and father, brother Joshua, step-mother Mary Meyer, partner Cliff Simpson and the great many of us who have been fortunate enough to know her. Rochelle, you are forever in our hearts and minds. Until we meet again on some bright highway, happy trails!

Dontations may be made to services and organizations concerning the children of Vashon.