Mary Christian Brookhyser's Obituary
Mary Christian Brookhyser was born on June 9, 1925 in Thompson Falls Montana. She was raised in Steilacoom Washington and later married and raised her own family in Milton, Washington until January 1990. Mary was known by all for her radiant smile and love for gardening and flowers; especially the Rhododendron. Although she spent many years dedicated to raising her 4 daughters and maintaining a home, Mary returned to the work force as a teacher’s aid for Spinning Elementary School in Puyallup Washington where she worked for 28 years. Throughout Mary’s busy life she committed many hours to volunteer work. Her early years were spent giving time in the Unity Church of Tacoma. During and after her retirement she volunteered for the Lyons Club, Rhododendron Society and Puyallup School District.
She is survived by her sister Carolyn Hudson, 3 daughters Sharon Guardino, Joan Hogan and Lynne Garton; 8 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.
Mary is preceded in death by her husband of 38 years Byron Brookhyser, and her daughter Barbara Esaray.
Mary valued staying active, contributing to her community and living a spiritual based life. Her smile, sparkling eyes and laughter will be missed by all of those who knew her.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Aegis of Kent, where Mary spent her last 6 years of life and Franciscan Hospice Services, for the respect, dignity and comfort they provided to Mary in her final months.
Visitation will be held from 1pm to 6pm, Friday, October 4 at Mountain View Funeral Home in Lakewood, WA. Services will be held at the Rhododendron Garden at 2525 S 336th St, Federal Way on October 5th at 1 PM.
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