Marguerite L. Stancik

Marguerite Lenora Stancik passed away on December 27, 2022 in Ellensburg Washington. She was 100 years old. She was born in Seattle to Alfred and Lillian Lee, joining her twin sisters Elaine and Eleanor. The three sisters were very close for all of their long lives.

The family moved to Cle Elum when she was a teenager, and she attended Cle Elum High School, graduating in 1941. She often claimed she was captain of the girls’ basketball team, though her lack of any interest in sports gives this the tinge of a tall tale.

Marguerite (“Pood”) married Joe Stancik in 1942 when he was on leave from the Army. When he came home from the war, they moved into the house next door to her parents on West Second Street in Cle Elum, where she lived until she was 100 years old. They had two children: Joe (Kathy) Stancik and Linda Bendzak.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Joe, her sister Eleanor Neiland, and her sister Elaine Minerich, who passed very recently at age 101.

Pood was a devoted grandmother, much loved by her three grandchildren–Nikki (Avery) Brewer, Sarah (Kendall) Lysene, and Tiran (Adriane) Bendzak and her four great grandchildren–Natalie, Carter, and Makenna Lysene and Charli Jo Bendzak. She is also survived by her close-knit family of nieces and nephews–Sharon (Del) Ferro, Carrie (Roger) Vares, Sandy (Ken) Sutton, Ted (Sally) Neiland, Allen (Linda) Minerich and Laine (Kevin) Rustvold, many great-nieces and nephews and some great-greats as well. 

Pood worked for many years as a waitress in Cle Elum’s Autorest Cafe until it closed. Card games had to wait until she put her hair in pin curls so she’d be ready for work at five the next morning.

Pood’s favorite pastime was to be with her family. She was an avid pinochle and progressive rummy player. She hummed when she had a good hand and grumbled when she didn’t. She loved crosswords and acrostic puzzles. She enjoyed family picnics and potlucks and loved to eat. She over-salted her food, buttered her cookies and ate sweets without moderation.

Pood was quirky, strong-willed, with a sharp wit. She had names and sayings for nearly every occasion. Her colorful commentary was always a part of family gatherings.

A family graveside service will be held in the spring. Remembrances may be sent to ARRF Animal Rescue, PO Box 670, Roslyn WA 98941. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Johnston & Williams Funeral Home and Crematory of Cle Elum.  Online condolences may be left at www.johnston-williams.com