Melissa A. Keenan, 65, born August 5, 1948 in San Diego, California died December 30, 2013 while living in Langley, Washington.

In 1966, she attended UW to study drama, eventually backpacking throughout Europe. In 1973 she started a family in Tonasket and lived like a pioneer up Siwash Creek. In 1982, she moved back to Maple Valley to finish raising her family, and studied nursing at Greenriver 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 sister.