In Loving Memory of Mary Ann Welch
October 27, 1944 – July 6, 2025

Mary Ann Welch passed away peacefully on the morning of July 6, 2025, with her beloved little dog, Elsie, curled up at her feet. She was at home, surrounded by the love of her family—her oldest granddaughter, Sara; Sara's husband, Dan; and great-grandson, Bryan—who cared for her with deep tenderness, grace, and unwavering devotion.

Mary was born in Sylva, North Carolina, on October 27, 1944, to Edna (Stiles) and Harry Allison. Around age five, her family moved to Sedro-Woolley, Washington, where she and her siblings—Patsy and Harry Jr.—grew up. Though small in stature, Mary had a spirited and feisty heart, earning her the nickname "Banty," which suited her perfectly. In that close-knit town, she learned the true meaning of family and friendship—values that would define her entire life.

After high school, Mary began working for the local telephone company, where she built lifelong friendships and gained a reputation for hard work and loyalty—traits she would pass on to her children. She raised her two boys in Mount Vernon, always close to her dear mother. Her home was filled with laughter, warm meals, and the chaos of active boys—memories she would fondly recall for the rest of her life. From ball games to BMX races, Mary was always on the sidelines, cheering with pride.

Mary built a successful career, eventually managing Skagit Bonded Collections for two decades and becoming active in Credit Women International. Later, she followed her heart to Skagit Valley Hospital, where she found her calling helping others in patient accounts and case management until retiring in 2009.

Mary also had a natural talent for investing—something she treated not just as a hobby, but as a thoughtful extension of her independence and curiosity. She loved researching markets, keeping up with trends, and watching her hard-earned savings grow. For many years, she was an active and enthusiastic member of an investment club, where she shared her insights and enjoyed the camaraderie as much as the challenge.

In retirement, Mary embraced life fully. She volunteered at the La Conner Food Bank, spent cherished time with her grandchildren, and traveled through Europe with her sister and friends, savoring every adventure. She had a passion for reading—often finishing entire books in a weekend—and loved hunting for treasures at garage sales with a carefully plotted map in hand. Her home was a creative haven of DIY projects, lovingly painted walls, and vintage finds.

Above all, Mary was happiest when surrounded by family. She was the proudest grandmother and a regular fixture at soccer and softball games, school events, and sunny days at the park. Her laugh was unforgettable—so full of joy and mischief that it could leave everyone around her in stitches. In recent years, she rediscovered her love of dancing, often grooving through the house with her great-grandson. Music was her constant companion, especially the pop hits of the '50s through '70s, and she would have been overjoyed to see her grandson Dylan's band.

Mary's legacy is one of love, resilience, humor, and compassion. She made every house a home, every moment a memory, and every person feel seen and cherished. Words fall short of capturing her vibrant spirit, but if you had the blessing of knowing her, you understand just how special she truly was.

She is reunited now with those she loved deeply and missed dearly: her cherished mother, Edna Armstrong; her beloved son, Bryan Welch; her father, Harry Allison; her older brother, Jackie Allison; and her nephew, Jeffrey Allison.

She leaves behind her loving son, Tony Welch (Jeannie); her grandchildren, Sara Welch-Harcourt (Dan), Madeline Welch, and Dylan Welch; her great-grandson, Bryan Harcourt; her daughter-in-law, Polly Dugan (Josh); her sister, Patsy Baddeley; her brother, Harry Allison (Lynne); nephews Kevin and Arnold (Dara) Baddeley; and so many others who loved her dearly. The family is also deeply grateful to the incredible caregivers, Ann and Deb, who became like family, and to her team at Hospice of the Northwest, Matt, Kathryn, Daniel, and countless other nurses and volunteers, for their compassionate care.

Our hearts ache without her, but we find peace knowing she is resting, surrounded once again by those who went before her. The lessons she taught us, the memories she gave us, and the love she poured into our lives will remain forever.

A Celebration of Life will be held on September 13, 2025. We invite all who knew and loved Mary to come share stories and honor her beautiful life. Details are developing and will be found here: https://www.facebook.com/RememberingMaryWelch