Vanese Laureen Bomber was born November 15, 1961, in Seattle to Phillip and Mary Bomber, joining her older brother Clay Bomber. She spent her early childhood on the East Coast, but then her family returned to the Seattle area and eventually settled on Vashon Island. She graduated from Vashon High School in 1980 and spent her life working in the public sphere.

After working as a bartender at Happy Garden and the Sportsman’s Inn, Vanese spent many years driving the Metro Access Bus. She cared for all her passengers, always greeting them with a smile and warm conversation. She also spent many years volunteering at the Vashon Food Bank and Granny’s Attic. Vanese worked hard most of her life, and of all she achieved, she was proudest by far of her two children, McKenzie and Aaron Bomber.

Her first cancer diagnosis in 2010 rendered her unable to return to work, but she refused to let that stop her from contributing to her community. When she was well enough, she threw herself back into her volunteer work as soon as she could. She loved her children fiercely and completely, and when she was again diagnosed with cancer in 2018, she chose to fight for as much time with them as she could have.

Vanese lost her year-and-a-half battle with pancreatic cancer on January 31, 2020. She passed away in the hospital, under her own terms, as she wanted. Her family was by her side. Until the end, her bright spirit and positive attitude never faded. She was one in a million, and she will be deeply missed.

Vanese’s memorial will be held at the Eagle’s, Saturday, March 7, from 1 to 4 p.m.

Please visit our online guestbook at islandfuneral.com.