Marcia K Wilke

Marcia Wilke passed away quietly in her sleep the morning of September 9, 2022, in her home at Wheatland Village. She was preceded in death by her husband, Norm; and son, Christopher. She is survived by her daughters, Cate Lyon and Allison Blankenship; as well as five grandchildren.

Marcia's early years were spent in Westfield, NY. She completed her undergraduate degree at Hood College in Maryland and remained a fervent supporter of the school until her death. She completed her education with a master’s degree in Music.

After moving to Walla Walla, Marcia met her husband, Norm Wilke. They married in 1963 and had a long and loving marriage of 52 years.

Music was Marcia's life - her many years in music centered around her service at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Walla Walla - working as the youth choir director and organist; creating and directing children's musicals; establishing and directing the St. Paul's handbell and chimes choirs; as well as working tirelessly to produce First Thursday Concerts to bring music to the community.

As her children were growing up, Marcia spent some summers at the Episcopal Diocese of Spokane's Camp Cross, coordinating and serving as a resource director at Music, Arts and Drama (MAD) Camp. Her passion for music was also reflected in her work. When Marcia first arrived in Walla Walla, she taught piano at Whitman College and also as a private piano teacher giving lessons out of her home.

Service to community was important to Marica. This was reflected in the numerous organizations to which she gave her time - Music Teachers Association, Engineer's Wives Club (her late husband, Norm, spent his career at the Walla Walla Corps of Engineers), the American Guild of English Handbell Ringers, and the American Guild of Organists. Marcia was also very active in the everyday life of the residents of Wheatland Village.

The Memorial Service is tentatively planned for May 10, 2023, at St. Paul's Episcopal Church. Marcia requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Camp Cross (campcross.org) and the Blue Mountain Humane Society (bluemountainhumane.org).