Maybelle Brickley
Maybelle Brickley, at the age of 78, died peacefully on January 3, 2015 at home. Maybelle was born August 23, 1936, in Bellingham, Washington, the daughter of Paul and Mabel Chamberlin. She was the fifth of nine children.
Graduated from Renton High School in 1954. Member of Girls’ Club, Pep Club, and Orchestra, in which she played the violin.
In 1956, Maybelle married Ralph Evans. They had four children together. Laura, David, Cynthia, and Timothy. Her youngest son was a year old when her husband passed away unexpectedly in a work related accident.
In 1975, Maybelle married James Brickley. They were married almost eighteen years before he passed away battling cancer.
Although boarding an airplane was not her favorite mode of travel, she wanted to see the world, traveling and cruising to many destinations throughout the US and abroad with family and friends. Embracing life she loved the outdoors. She enjoyed tending to her yard and flowers, taking a walk along the beach, and riding her bike to Coulon Park for an outdoor concert. Maybelle loved gathering family and friends together and very much enjoyed a good barbeque or picnic. She loved books, music and the theater. You could always find a crossword puzzle nearby, and a baby blanket or a quilt nearby that she was working on for those special occasions throughout her life. Knitting and crocheting hundreds of hats and mittens for children and families in need and for cancer patients. She has left her imprint of love for so many, sharing her faith and commitment to give more than you receive.
Maybelle has always had the heart of a volunteer. When her children were young she was active in scouting, sporting events and school programs, encouraging and supporting all of the children. After retiring from Boeing she lived her life finding ways to help where ever there was a need. She volunteered with Bluebills, Meals on Wheels, The Puget Sound Blood Bank, USO, and various other organizations. She was an active member of Renton First United Methodist Church.
Maybelle is survived by her brother Bob (Kay) Chamberlin, and sisters, Paula Maas, Donna Crueger, Clarice (Chris) Christofferson, Carol Stimmel, and Patty (Peter) Tencer-Droppa..Brother-in law Bob (Geri) Evans, and sister-in-laws, Marge (Gary) Ruffner, Carol (Dave) Dunning. Daughters Laura Bioren, Cynthia (Jim) Foster, and sons, David Evans and Timothy Evans. Step sons David (Michele) Brickley, and Ronald Brickley. Thirteen grandchildren : Jeremy, Forrest (Tessa), Jennifer (Justin), Tyler (Kelsey), Brittney (RJ), Paul, DJ, Bobby, and Aquinnah. And proud great-grandmother (aka GiGi) to Julianna, Faith, Evan, McKenzie, and Jameson. Nieces, nephews, and many other relatives and close friends. Lots of love!
Her kindness, compassion, humility and love will be so missed by her family and dear friends. She was ferociously independent and always thought of others before herself. She inspired us to be good to one another and to keep hope alive.
A special thank you to the wonderful people at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, University of Washington Cancer Research, Providence Hospice and her church family. You supported our mother and our family and we will always be so grateful.
There will be a Celebration of Her Life, Saturday, January 31st, 2015 1:00 pm at the Renton First United Methodist Church, 2201 N E 4th Street Renton, WA 98056.
Remembrances may be made in honor of Maybelle to UW Center for Cancer Research – UW Foundation, Box 358045 Seattle, WA 98195. Her church, or a charity of your choice.
