Mary Kay Koskela

Mother, ‘Gram’, Friend, Teacher and Artist

Mary Kay Koskela, 70, of Astoria died January 10, 2013 at her home of 46 years.

Mary Kay Koskela was born to Captain William G. and Marjorie B. Dougan in Chester, Pennsylvania on April 2, 1942. She entered 1st grade in Martinez, California. She started high school in Seattle, Washington. She warmly shared stories of traveling the US with her mother, sister and brother to meet her father in various ports as a child.

She graduated from Astoria High School in 1960. After serving a short time in the US Navy, she married Dennis E. Koskela in March of 1965 in Kelso, Washington. Together they raised four children: William, David, Carolyn and Melissa. They later raised their granddaughter, Tabbitha.

A select view of her work history includes Andrew’s and Steve’s, St. Mary’s Hospital, Barbey Packing and Medix. In the early 80’s, she owned Things Galore and began teaching tole painting. She and her husband owned and operated K-Tek until his death in 1996. She later worked at Fred Meyer in Warrenton and she continued painting and teaching painting classes.

Mary was very active in the community including coaching softball, leading 4-H clubs, being a part of the 4-H Leaders Association, a member of the Lewis and Clark School Board, and a member of the Clatsop County Fair Board. She never met a flower she didn’t love; she enjoyed working in her yard and watching her chickens.

Fond memories of ‘Gram’ will live on in the hearts of her grandchildren and their families; Tabbitha, Tyler, Tyson and Talon McGrorty of Warrenton; Willie, Michelle, Damean and Preslee Koskela of Walla Walla, WA; Stefanie, Cesar, Lyllie and Leecenia Mariano and Kimberly Koskela of Dayton, OR; Samantha Koskela of Kelso, WA; Kristopher Koskela of Tillamook: Kayla LaRue of Milton-Freewater, Kevin LaRue of Hillsboro; and Steven Koskela. She was also a loving ‘Gram’ to many more including John, Sarah, Jake, Crystal, Chantel, Candice, Townslee, Trisha, Kylee and Kaiden. She was a loving ‘Aunt Kay’ or ‘Auntie Mary’ too.

Mary is survived by her two sons, Bill Koskela (wife Gina) of Athena and David Koskela of Astoria; two ?daughters, Carolyn Koskela Morlan (husband Chuck) of Frenchglen and Melissa LaRue (husband Robin) of Ione; a brother, Capt. Bill (wife Shirley)Dougan of Sauvies Island; and a sister, Marjorie ‘Skip’ Kimes of Salt Lake City; her mother-in-law, Luella Koskela: a brother-in-law, Mike Koskela; a sister- in-law, Lorell Stoneman ; an aunt, Jeanette Graue; her grandchildren, great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Her husband Dennis, a sister-in-law, Darlene Koskela, great granddaughter Marley Jean, and her parents preceded her in death.

Visitation will be held Friday, January 18, 2013 from 11-2 p.m. at ?Caldwell’s Luce-Layton Mortuary, 1165 Franklin Ave., Astoria, Oregon.

Memorial Services will be held Saturday, January 19, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at ?Caldwell’s Luce-Layton Mortuary.

Graveside Services will follow at Greenwood Cemetery Astoria, Oregon. ?Please join us in celebrating Mary's life at the Warrenton Community Center ?after the graveside service.

Memorial Contributions may be given to: Lower Columbia Hospice, ?486 12th Street, Astoria, Oregon 97103

Caldwell’s Luce-Layton Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. ?Please sign our online guest book at: www.caldwellsmortuary.com