Obituary for Marie Antoinette Bickar
Marie Antoinette Olsen Bickar
Marie was born in South Bend, WA on Feb. 16th, 1937, to Edwin & Lottie Olsen. Her early years were spent on the family ranch on Butte Creek. She met and soon married Bob Bickar on June 26th, 1954. They started a family, while following Bob's logging career that took them from Hoquiam, WA to Sitka, AK and on to Yakutat, AK. They eventually returned to Grays Harbor in 1965, planting roots in Central Park where they lived from 1972 until Bob's death in 2003. In the following years, she retired and joined her lifelong friend in running a hotel in La Marque, TX. Eventually, Marie returned, living in Montesano, until her death.
Marie was an ambitious soul. She had a genuine love of learning, and as soon as the rigors of raising her family allowed, she pursued higher education starting at Sheldon Jackson Jr. College in Sitka and Grays Harbor College. Her studies led her to a greater calling in the field of law enforcement. She created a groundbreaking 30+ year career as a Deputy at the Grays Harbor Sheriff’s Office. Her dedication to her work there has been nationally lauded for taking on and creating much of the structure for women in law enforcement today. Her work in extraditions also formed much of the operating system of 5 states, as well as extensive work holding classes and organizing conferences, resulting in being awarded the Evelyn Holt Award for Excellence in this field.
Marie filled her life with many adventures. She learned to fly, always drove a large car and loved to travel. Her travels took her all over the world- Norway, France, Greece, Turkey, China, Mexico, Hawaii, Texas, Colorado, and to many more places throughout the United States. Her last trip recently took her to Palm Desert.
Marie was extremely creative with an eye for beauty and an unerring fashion sense. She was an expert knitter, lovingly creating blankets, hats, and scarves cherished by all. She was a great cook, always experimenting with new recipes to share with friends and family. She was a wonderful gardener and filled her yard with unique and beautiful trees and flowers.
Marie lead a full life filled with friends and family. As she said, she was “just passing through” yet she left a lasting impact on all who met or knew her.
Daughter, sister, mother, wife, friend, deputy, adventurer, creator. These are just a few of the descriptions for her. Marie had many roles in her life that she enjoyed. Our lives are richer to have known her.
She leaves behind her children, Laurie Hilliard (Michael), Peta Hoonan (Shawn), Booka Bickar (Ben) and Sybil Adams (Trevor). Her daughter, Beci Morey, and husband, Bob, preceded her in death. She loved her grandchildren - Alexis Hilliard, Samantha Hilliard, Grace Lee (Leon), Jill Vecchio (Dane), Reggie Reynolds and Roxanne Reynolds, in addition to her great grandson, Cash Adams. Marie's brother, Tony Olsen, lives at the family home they grew up in.
Due to the circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic, services for Marie will be held later. There will be a Catholic mass held for her when the time is right.
Marie was born in South Bend, WA on Feb. 16th, 1937, to Edwin & Lottie Olsen. Her early years were spent on the family ranch on Butte Creek. She met and soon married Bob Bickar on June 26th, 1954. They started a family, while following Bob's logging career that took them from Hoquiam, WA to Sitka, AK and on to Yakutat, AK. They eventually returned to Grays Harbor in 1965, planting roots in Central Park where they lived from 1972 until Bob's death in 2003. In the following years, she retired and joined her lifelong friend in running a hotel in La Marque, TX. Eventually, Marie returned, living in Montesano, until her death.
Marie was an ambitious soul. She had a genuine love of learning, and as soon as the rigors of raising her family allowed, she pursued higher education starting at Sheldon Jackson Jr. College in Sitka and Grays Harbor College. Her studies led her to a greater calling in the field of law enforcement. She created a groundbreaking 30+ year career as a Deputy at the Grays Harbor Sheriff’s Office. Her dedication to her work there has been nationally lauded for taking on and creating much of the structure for women in law enforcement today. Her work in extraditions also formed much of the operating system of 5 states, as well as extensive work holding classes and organizing conferences, resulting in being awarded the Evelyn Holt Award for Excellence in this field.
Marie filled her life with many adventures. She learned to fly, always drove a large car and loved to travel. Her travels took her all over the world- Norway, France, Greece, Turkey, China, Mexico, Hawaii, Texas, Colorado, and to many more places throughout the United States. Her last trip recently took her to Palm Desert.
Marie was extremely creative with an eye for beauty and an unerring fashion sense. She was an expert knitter, lovingly creating blankets, hats, and scarves cherished by all. She was a great cook, always experimenting with new recipes to share with friends and family. She was a wonderful gardener and filled her yard with unique and beautiful trees and flowers.
Marie lead a full life filled with friends and family. As she said, she was “just passing through” yet she left a lasting impact on all who met or knew her.
Daughter, sister, mother, wife, friend, deputy, adventurer, creator. These are just a few of the descriptions for her. Marie had many roles in her life that she enjoyed. Our lives are richer to have known her.
She leaves behind her children, Laurie Hilliard (Michael), Peta Hoonan (Shawn), Booka Bickar (Ben) and Sybil Adams (Trevor). Her daughter, Beci Morey, and husband, Bob, preceded her in death. She loved her grandchildren - Alexis Hilliard, Samantha Hilliard, Grace Lee (Leon), Jill Vecchio (Dane), Reggie Reynolds and Roxanne Reynolds, in addition to her great grandson, Cash Adams. Marie's brother, Tony Olsen, lives at the family home they grew up in.
Due to the circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic, services for Marie will be held later. There will be a Catholic mass held for her when the time is right.