Mary Katherine (Sackmann) Nicholson

Mary Katherine Nicholson died on June 5 at her home in Normandy Park, Washington. Mary Katherine was the daughter of Nancy Lee and Milton P. Sackmann. She grew up in Ritzville, and then attended and became a proud graduate of the University of Washington where she was a member of Gamma Phi Beta.

Mary Katherine married Brent Nicholson Dec. 3, 1983. Over the years they lived in Bellevue, Kirkland, Sandy Point, San Francisco and Normandy Park.

Mary Katherine is survived by her husband Brent; daughter, Olivia and son, William at the family home in Normandy Park. She is also survived by her mother, Nancy of Ritzville; her brother, Tom of Spokane; her sister, Jane of Olympia; and brother, Marty of Ritzville, as well as nieces, nephews, sisters and in laws.

She is predeceased by her father, Milton.

After her children and husband, the loves of Mary Katherine’s life were the arts, particularly dance and the theatre. She devoted her time and energy to giving those around her the opportunity to learn, participate and enjoy being part of the production.

Although she performed throughout Seattle, she became very involved with the Lynden Performing Arts Guild, The Claire VG Theatre. She enjoyed performing in theatre productions and eventually became the Guild Artistic Director.

The Guild, under her leadership, took their productions of “Annie Get Your Gun”, “South Pacific” and “Always, Patsy Cline” on the road to her hometown of Ritzville and other areas so people could have the opportunity to enjoy live theatre.

Mary Katherine was committed to providing the children in her small hometown with the opportunity to participate in dance and theatre that they might not otherwise have.

Each summer, since she was 16 years old, she provided several weeks of instruction in tap, ballet, modern dance and theatre for children from three to high school age.

The workshop culminated in an annual recital that drew about 300 friends, proud parents and grandparents eager to see what their children had learned. Every child felt the special caring that Mary Katherine put into their chance to be onstage.

She took special joy in having her own children Olivia and William join in the productions.

Mary Katherine touched many people during her journey through life and they knew her as a person who always wanted things to be done right, was generous and made those around her feel special.

A graveside burial will be held July 8 at the family ranch in Ewan, Washington, with a Celebration of Life at the Ritzville Fairgrounds from 1-4 p.m.

A Funeral Service will also be held on July 15 at 1 p.m. at St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church, 1005 SW 152nd Street, Burien, Washington.

If you do plan to attend, her daughter Olivia has suggested that you wear something “blue” as that was Mary Katherine’s favorite color.

A memorial fund is established at the UW Foundation, Earmark for “Teal Ovarian Cancer Symptoms Research Fund.”