Marcella Ann Waite

Marcy Waite, wife of Herb Cole, was born in Port Angeles, Washington, the third daughter of Paul and Martha (Hanson) Waite. She graduated from Western Washington College of Education in Bellingham, and later earned her Master's degree from University of Portland. She was a dedicated teacher for 38 years, first at Nooksack Valley Junior and Senior High School, then at Fairhaven and Kulshan Middle Schools in Bellingham. She particularly loved teaching art, creative writing, shorthand, and journalism. During school vacations, for several years she was a private secretary at Western and a secretary for various attorneys.
Her interests included drawing, painting, pottery, and travel to over two dozen countries. In retirement, she and Herb enjoyed cruises to Alaska, Hawaii, the Caribbean, Panama Canal, Mexico, and Bahamas.
For more than fifty years Marcy sponsored a family in Thessaloniki, Greece, visiting them a dozen times over the years as Haido's three children, Anna, Kiki, and Petros, grew up, married, and had their own children. The family loved "Aunt" Marcy and considered her an honored guest, accompanying her on adventures that included many islands, archeological sites, caves, and quaint villages.
After living in Sumas, Bellingham, and Sandy Point, Herb and Marcy planned their final home in Ferndale with great care, moving there in 2019, just nine months before he passed away.
Marcy was predeceased by her loving husband Herb, her parents, nephew Ed Dayton, sister Carla Keith and brother-in-law Sid Keith. She is survived by daughter Karen Lindahl (Brian), granddaughter Betsy Crane (Ted), grandsons Trevor Hasenoehrl (Marsha and children Harmony and Henry), Danny Hasenoehri, and Ethan Hasenoehrl; sister Beth Dayton (Rennie), niece Malina Lindell (Dave) and children, niece Becca Heartwell (Carolyn Briggs); nephew Rick Keith, niece Lauren Keith; sister-in-law Carol Judge; and stepson Mark Cole (Kelly and children Rebecca and Jonathan). She also leaves labradoodle Schatzi and many caring friends. They will all miss her so much. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 22 at 2PM at Westford Funeral Home (1301 Broadway, Bellingham).