Melissa A. Keenan, 65, was born Aug. 5, 1948 in San Diego, Calif., and died Dec. 30, 2013, while living in Langley, Wash.

Her family moved to the Northwest when she was seven, where she graduated from Newport High School in 1966. She attended the University of Washington to study drama, eventually backpacking throughout Europe. She started a family in Tonasket, Wash., and lived like a pioneer up in the mountains. In 1982, she moved back to Maple Valley to finish raising her family, and studied nursing at Green River Community College.

She will be remembered as devoted to her family and friends, and as considerate and loving as a person can be. She enjoyed visiting, gardening, music, reading, sewing, walks, and most everything else in life. Her sense of humor and creativity inspired and brightened everyone’s day. Her beaming smile will be deeply missed.

Survived by her children Pablo Plakos, Allma Plakos, Russell Keenan and wife Sara, and Jeff Keenan. Her grandchildren Kayla, Orion and Nova are wonderful. Her brother Joe Keenan and sisters Stephanie Box and Cindy Lee will truly miss their lovely sister.