Mary K., 93, passed away peacefully in her sleep at her Orcas home on June 19.

A long-time resident of the island, Mary K. enjoyed her gardens, her cats, her memories of family and friends, and the sunset views from her bay window.

In the late 1930s, while still in nursing school at the University of Washington, she met Bill Fischer. When they decided to get married, they eloped to Idaho, because in those days, it was strict UW policy that student nurses were not allowed to get married.

They honeymooned on Orcas and spent their first years of marriage assisting William Kimple start Beach Haven Resort. They helped build the first log cabin on the beach.

After moving back to Seattle, in the 1940s, the couple settled on Mercer Island in 1950 where they raised their son, Michael, and their daughter, Marilee.

Mary K. was an R.N. and a King County Public Health visiting school nurse. She drove a route from school to school around Lake Washington in her red TR3. She was also featured in a Life Magazine article.

Upon the kids’ graduating from high school, Bill and Mary K. moved permanently back to Orcas, purchased Beach Haven Resort from William Kimple, and ran the resort for a decade.

Mary K., Bill and their dogs enjoyed driving their RV to Mazatlan to catch some winter sun. They’d often be sipping Pacificos and waiting on the beach wall for the green flash at sunset.

Mary K. is survived by her sister, Georgia May Lajoie; son, Mike; grandson, Sawyer (and wife Jennifer); great granddaughters Thea and India; and many caring nieces and nephews. Special family appreciation to Arteen Wood, niece and caregiver.

No service is planned. Mary K. loved gardening, and she often took her flower arrangements to the Orcas Senior Center and the Long House. Her family has suggested family and friends remember her by planting a rose bush or flowers in their own home garden.

Please email stories and memories to MaryKFischer.orcas@gmail.com.

Submitted by Mike Fischer.