A memorial is planned for Sunday, Sept. 23, from 1-3 p.m. at Hummingbird Hill Garden, a unique Mediterranean garden she helped create.

Marcia Bergquist, 68, died unexpectedly Sept. 1, 2017. Born and raised in Seattle, she attended Shorecrest High School. She was a weekend/summer resident as child and lived most of her adult life on Whidbey. In 1998, she moved into the family “beach house” near Dines Point. She married Melvin Bergquist (originally of Whidbey Island and currently of Norsland, Australia). After their divorce, she became a full-time Whidbey Island resident.

She worked over 20 years at Cozy’s Tavern and later at the American Legion. Then she worked as a gardening assistant and designer for her brother-in-law. She was responsible for much of the hardscape and water features of his garden at Hummingbird Hill. She developed many skills over time, including the ability to propagate and raise plants which she often referred to as “her babies.”

She was active in the NPA (Northwest Perennial Alliance) Daytimers Group on Whidbey. She gave talks on how to create simple, unique water features for the garden using recycled materials.

She enjoyed hosting various open garden events over the years and advising folks how to make the water features, raised beds and the garden walls that she became known for. She had friends all over the island. She also was a member of AHMES Court #41, LOSNA.

She is pre-deceased by her partner of many years Mick Kelly; her beloved grandson Tyler Bergquist; her parents Albert and Lillian Minard; and several special pets. She is survived by her son Jeffery Bergquist (Mountlake Terrace); daughter Tammy Bergquist (Snohomish); her sister Annette Barca (Greenbank); her grandchildren Tianna, Tricia, Anthany and Jessika; and her great grandson Kason. She is also survived by her special friend Carol Henry of Sundance, Wyo., and her dog Jethro, the real character in her life.

Hummingbird Hill is located at 943 Chickadee Drive, Greenbank 98253. For more information or directions, contact Annette at hummin gbirdhill943@gmail.com Donations in her memory may be made to WAIF or the Good Cheer Food Bank.