Julane Mirka

It’s time to say good bye. After a 10-year battle with cancer, my time on this beautiful planet has come to an end. What a glorious life it has been. I was born April 24, 1932. I grew up in Minneapolis, Minn. Attended the University of Minnesota where I met and married my dear husband Hal of 53 years. He was my lover, my confidant and my very best friend. His inspiration, love, moral support and understanding during those trying times is what gave me courage to keep on living. How fortunate I was to have had him by my side all those years.

We were blessed with two wonderful children, Heidi and Scott, who along with Hal, have given me great moral support. We have lived in many beautiful areas of the country, met many wonderful people and made many long lasting friendships. We were fortunate to have traveled worldwide before moving to Langley on New Year’s Eve in 1989. My association with the Artists of South Whidbey, the Greenbank Artists and the Crone group, gave me the opportunity to also make many dear friends here on Whidbey Island.

I wish to thank the doctors and staff at Swedish Hospital during all my years of treatment. The group at Pacific Gynecology was always there for me along with Dr. Rivkin and his wonderful, compassionate staff at the Swedish Cancer Institute. I also am deeply grateful to the efficient Home Health Care and Hospice group of dedicated nurses here on Whidbey Island. For fear of omitting someone I will not name names. You all know who you are and I am eternally grateful for all your love and support. It was truly an honor to know all of you.

My wishes to all cancer survivors is simple. The past is not important, nor is the future. In other words “live in the moment.” You will find much happiness in doing so.

I would prefer that there be no public memorial service or flowers. Donations can be sent to Marsha Rivkin Center for Ovarian Cancer Research

1221 Madison, St. Suite 4101, Seattle. Wa 98101.

I thank everyone for their love and concern during my illness, but like I sad at the beginning, “now is the time to say good bye.” — Julane

Julane passed on at home at 11:10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 4 with her husband Hal and son Scott at her bedside. Daughter Heidi, of Washington, D.C. was unable to be there because of the unexpected suddenness of her mother’s death.