Obituary of Maria Cibeu Harrison

None Maria Cigeu Harrison Maria Cibeu Harrison passed away March 17, 2010, at home after battling a recurrence of breast cancer. Maria fought this disease with courage and strength, inspiring all those around her by her energy, compassion, and spirit even on the days that were most difficult. A lifelong educator and learner, Maria was a vibrant, loving, exceptional, and creative woman who led an outstandingly active life. She enjoyed traveling the world, entertaining friends and family with delicious cuisine, working in her garden, and spending time on the water. She loved sailboats, lighthouses, the Wizard of Oz, cookbooks, music, and movies. Maria was born March 20, 1944, in New York, New York, to Italian immigrants Albin and Antoinette Marinig Cibeu and was the youngest of three children. She attended Mary Louis Academy and earned her bachelor’s degree in science and master’s degree in education from Hofstra University. Maria devoted her life to education. Students were her highest priority. She began her more than 45-year career as an educator in Massapequa, NY, as an elementary school teacher. She later taught in Saudi Arabia where she met her husband of 38 years, John Scott Harrison. From Saudi, Maria and John moved to Shelby, Montana, where they raised their two daughters, Erika and Rebecca, served the community, and made wonderful friends. She earned her education administration certification from the University of Montana and then served as a principal at Darby Elementary School in Montana and McLane Elementary School in Olympia, WA. Maria retired in June 2009. Maria will be missed by husband John, daughter Erika (Ethan) Eskew and grandson Ander of Sherwood, OR, and daughter Rebecca Harrison of Tacoma, WA, siblings Lew (Marianne) Cibeu of Providence, RI, Gladys (Ben) Caterinicchio of Mount Kisco, NY, nieces, nephews, and many family members and close friends. The family would like to thank everybody for their support, prayers, and love. A very special thanks to Dr. Min Kang and the incredible staff at Capital Oncology for their warmth, care, and comfort over the past two years. The memorial service will be Monday, March 22, at 3 p.m., at Funeral Alternatives located at South Sound Manor, located at 455 North Street, Tumwater, WA, 98501. Please make donations to the Bonnie Briscoe Patient Assistance Fund c/o Capital Oncology, 3920 Capital Mall Drive SW, Suite 100, Olympia, WA, 98502, or to McLane Trail Fund or Library Fund c/o McLane Elementary, 200 Delphi Road SW, Olympia, WA 98502. Maria’s passing leaves our hearts broken but graced with inspiration from the strength and courage she demonstrated throughout her entire life.