Melbourne Reasoner
At Mel’s request, an informal open house will be held Saturday, February 9th from 2-5 PM; 350 E. Bellis Fair Parkway, Apt. 101.
After 91 years of active living, Mel passed peacefully January 8, 2013 with her daughter Gaye Lynn and son-in-law Terry MacDonald by her side.
Mel crossed the country by train to join Henry “Hank” Reasoner where he was stationed with the navy. They were married in Boston, MA. on December 23, 1944. Their special song was “Sentimental Journey”. Hank and Mel were married 59 years, making their home in Bellingham.
During her career Mel worked as a secretary for Mr. Charles Larrabee, Pope & Talbot, J. Harald Stevenson and as administrative assistant for 23 years to Tom Glenn at the Port of Bellingham. Mel was an avid bridge player, consistently playing 3-5 days each week. She enjoyed the many friendships she found at bridge tables over the years. Mel and Hank loved to dance, belonging to both Square and Ballroom dancing clubs.
She was directly involved in numerous community activities and organizations including the Jaycees (including a term as state president of the Jaycee Wives), Whatcom Farm Forestry Association (secretary/treasurer 28 years), Bellingham Food Bank volunteer, and member of St. James Presbyterian Church, Elks Lodge and the Bellingham Country Club.
Mel’s final “sentimental journey” reunited her with her parents Fritz and Della (Tucker) Johnson, brother, Ross Johnson and husband Hank.
In addition to her daughter and son-in-law, Mel is survived by granddaughters Megan Lisica (Chris), Heather Land (Justin) and great granddaughters Nora and Audrey Lisica and Nadia and Vanessa Land; and extended family of nephews and cousins.
The family would like to thank the staff at Mt. Baker Care Center for their professional care and loving support as well as staff of Whatcom Hospice and Palliative Care.
Special family memories of Mel include her home-style cooking and baking, love of parties and family get-togethers, clam digging, always having chocolates to share, a fan of baseball, basketball and football, and her enjoyment of a good Manhattan.
At Mel’s request, an informal open house will be held Saturday, February 9th from 2-5 PM; 350 E. Bellis Fair Parkway, Apt. 101.
Memories
From Megan Lisica
We love & miss you Grammy!! <3
From Jackie Schoonover
To come into the world with family and to leave the same way is a great blessing. I'm glad Gaye Lynn that you and Terry could share that with your mom. Thinking of you at this time with sympathy and wishing you God's comfort and care in the days ahead.
From Mark Schlichting
Dear Gaye Lynn, Terry, and Girls-
The last of a generation is now gone.
We had such great times with you guys, Mel, and Hank at the cabin on the lake, before it was rebuilt and became a true “home” to them.
Hank would tell us how many board feet were in any given tree (and hold off until noon before having a beer); Mel would be itching for a bridge game. (What is this about a “good Manhattan???” I always saw her relaxing with a slosh of vodka… Huh?)
Our Bill Vitt Quartet and Metamorphosis dance bands would always play “Sentimental Journey” for them when they entered the Yacht Club or Country Club, but we would also have a polka or schottische in our back pockets, just in case they got a bit more frisky.
At 91, Mel lived a long, full life that was rich with the history of Bellingham and Whatcom County, what with the likes of the Larrabees,Talbots, and Glenns. And, she was a “knock-out” red-head in her day—no wonder all the town fathers wanted her as their secretary!
Mel was always a real “kick in the pants,” and we know she missed Hank immensely when he passed away a few years ago. We’re glad that they are once again together, for all time.
Blessings,
Mark Schlichting (Erin, too!)
From Garth & Sue Buchanan
Days pass and family pass and the circle narrows.
Cousin Mel and I have been buddies since we were little kids.
That friendship carried into adult life between our two families.
We will miss her more than words can say.
Garth and Sue Buchanan
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