Lisa Marie (Dire) Thacker

On Wednesday, March 25, 2009 Lisa Marie (Dire) Thacker died peacefully at her home. Her courageous battle with cancer and scleroderma was an inspiration to all who knew her. Lisa Thacker was born April 27, 1934 in Everett, Washington to Diodata and Antonio Dire. She attended Longfellow Elementary, South and North Junior High and graduated from Everett High School in 1952. While attending high school she worked at Spurrell and Hascals, C.P.A.'s and moved on to work for Weyerhauser Timber Company until she married a high school friend, Charles Thacker and they raised five children. She lived in Everett while her husband attended Everett Community College, then in Ellensberg, WA, where her husband attended Central Washington College. While living there she worked for Sound Construction Company. Eventually she moved back to Everett and worked for E.A. Thacker, M.D. until he retired and went on to work for the Everett School District as a secretary and then as a Science Program Assistant. After retiring, she took up dancing and that became one of her priorities in life. It was there she met her loving and devoted friend Donato Malgesini. Her other priorities were her children and grandchildren. She also loved baking, sewing and jigsaw puzzles. She was a dedicated jogger and ran six miles daily.
Preceding her in death were her parents, Diodata and Antonio Dire; and her sister, Adeline Rochon.
She is survived by her children, Denise (Erich) Furrer, of Arlington, Washington; Charles (Dena) Thacker, of Pacific, Washington, Mark Thacker, of Kirkland, Washington, Renee' Ummel, of Mill Creek, Washington, and Kim (Matt) Moritz, of Snohomish, Washington. She also leaves behind grandchildren, Derich and Schyler Furrer, Joe, Tonio, and Jacob Thacker, Drew and Danielle Ummel, and Breaz and Cayla Moritz. She also was blessed with a great-grandchild, Brayden Thacker. Also left behind are her sisters and brother, Lena (Leonard) Rochon, Mafalda (Jerry) Gerdon, Ernest (Pat) Dire and Vera (Jim) Buell; brother-in-law, Larry Rochon; nieces, nephews, cousins, and many, many dear friends.
She wished to thank all her relatives and friends for the care and love they extended to her during her illness.
A viewing will be held from 12 to 5 p.m., April 3, 2009, at Purdy & Walters with Cassidy, 1702 Pacific Ave., Everett.
A Rosary will be held at 10:30 a.m., on April 4, 2009, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, 2619 Cedar Street, Everett, WA. The service will be at 11 a.m. A celebration of her life will be held at Hensen Hall, adjacent to the church, immediately following the service. There will be a family only graveside service following the celebration.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Lisa Thacker to the American Cancer Society, care of Team Bambini Di Amore.
Our family extends our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Coughenour, his staff, and hospice for their compassionate care of our loving mother.
(Published in The Herald (Everett) from 3/31/2009 - 4/3/2009)