Marglen Vike

Marglen Vike, a long- time resident of Bellingham, passed away at the age of 88 on December 28, 2014. The daughter of James Yates Sneddon and Floss Oneal Sneddon, she was born on September 2, 1926 in Tacoma and grew up in Port Angeles with her brother James Oneal Sneddon. After graduating from Roosevelt High School in Port Angeles in 1944, she attended school at the College of the Pacific before graduating from Western Washington in 1950 with a B.A. in Education. She received teacher certification credentials from Washington, California and New York State. She additionally completed graduate level coursework at Columbia University, Seattle Pacific University, the University of Washington and Western Washington. She married the love of her life Gene Vike on July 19, 1952 and they remained inseparable until his passing after 44 years of marriage. Marglen, an eternal nurturer, and her soulmate Gene fostered a loving environment, in which they successfully raised two children in a household consistently filled with the happy sounds of family, friends and a collection of pets. Marglen and Gene were particularly noted for unyielding support of their children in all of their endeavors. Marglen is survived by her daughter Carrie Vike-Hilleary and husband Chris Hilleary of Bellingham, her son James Vike and wife Lou Anne of Malvern, PA; and four grandchildren, Cameron Gene Vike, Catherine Oneal Hilleary, Marit MacNaughton Vike and Braeden Sage Hilleary. Marglen's wide ranging professional experience included teaching appointments in New York, Shoreline, Marietta, San Luis Obispo, Clover Park, and Western's Campus School prior to raising a family. In 1970 she and Gene took their children to Europe for a year- it was the trip of a lifetime. She returned to the classroom in 1974 as a reading teacher at Happy Valley Elementary School where she remained until retirement in 1994. Marglen's dedication to the continuous improvement of reading skills as the foundation of a sound education positively impacted the lives and futures of hundreds of children. Whether riding along the dude ranch horse trails at age 80, joining her friends and daughter for summertime BGCC water aerobics classes, attending her grandchildren's sporting events, fishing, gardening, dancing with Gene, or celebrating special occasions with friends and family at Lummi Island, Winthrop or Malvern, Marglen's life was filled with love, activity, and joyful interactions. Known for her loyalty, friendly nature and class, she will be greatly missed by multiple generations of family members and friends old and new. A special "Celebration of Life" gathering will be held to honor our kind and lovely Marglen and the positive impact she made upon her family and the community at the Hilleary residence, 1857 Northshore Road in Bellingham on June 23, 4-7 pm, 2015. All are welcome. Memorials may be made to the Whatcom Hospice Foundation.