Marjorie S Thomas, born on July 9th, 1977, a beloved mother, wife, daughter (oldest sibling of five), and very dear friend to many of Port Townsend, Lynnwood, Olympia and the Seattle areas, passed away on May 24th, 2025, in Skagit county, Washington. Doing what she loved, with those she loved, she died in a motorcycle accident on State Route 20. Her departure was instantaneous. Marjorie built a life of beauty, joy and authenticity. A beacon of light & liberty, her presence had a way of healing and freeing others of what entangled them. The truth of HOW she lived leaves a legacy and timeless offering to this life.
Marjorie is survived by her son Mackenzie Howerton, Husband James Thomas, Father Walter Massey, three brothers Justin Massey, Marc Massey, Jonathan Massey, and sister Meredith Massey. Lifelong friend Augustine Veliz, David & Kelly Moore (With James riding alongside Marjorie the day of the accident) and many more extended family and friends will greatly miss this magnificent soul.
Marjorie moved to Seattle from South Carolina in the early 90’s at a young age. From the start, she did not mince words, was a fierce friend, and steadfast companion in spirit to all who knew and loved her. Her late mother Norma Massey (whom she called a “superior mother, friend, and confidante”) took her and her brother Justin under graces’ wing where they resided in Queen Anne. Her father Walter Massey, proprietor of Massey Copper, created in Carolina Appalachia, and remaining siblings were to follow. Where the family reunited once more. All witnessed the blessing of a “full circle” second wedding for Norma & Walter Massey held on Whidbey Island. Marjorie graduated from Franklin High school and lived in Seattle proper for the majority of her life. A Seattle city raised soul, she loved dancing, playing the violin, crocheting, her cats, crafting, hiking, her family, and anything you told her she couldn’t do. Stardust and all things magic, she was a universal force.
She later married Jason Howerton and brought forth in life, Mackenzie Howerton, born October 12th, 2000. in the Lake Stevens and North Seattle areas “Mac” grew strong alongside her. Visits to Port Townsend with her nearest & extended family for gatherings evolved into a time living in Port Townsend. And, while her son Mackenzie went to middle school at Blue Heron. She navigated a divorce from her first husband, Jason. The Massey family Coppersmithing studio and business were based in Port Townsend since 1999. And, days spent amongst the healing arts, multi-generational roots, and family surroundings gave great solace to them both.
It was then, with her known insatiable desire to learn, that her focus would bloom into a highly talented scientist’s journey. She moved back Seattle side to pursue her studies where she met Robert Farid. Robert, a strong ally, partner and love of Marjorie was met through friends, and they shared a deeply renowned life together until his passing in December of 2017. Nothing met by this woman was ever left incomplete, unknown, or unchanged in the way of holistic betterment of soul. In keeping, Marjorie graduated from South Puget Sound Community College with two Associates of Science degrees (Track 1 & 2) in 2017. She was extremely keen on microbiology.
Marjorie moved from Olympia to Seattle and would work a few roles over the years before settling in her chosen field of Histology at Dermatopathology Northwest, in Bellevue. During which time, in March of 2019, and after a time of mutual pursuit many remember well, Marjorie and James Thomas were wed. They crafted a gorgeous home in Lynnwood, Washington, and set out to live in a way many do not experience in life. Frequent motorcycle rides, adventures in the great outdoors, elopements, dancing at their favorite clubs, and game nights with the crew.
Marjorie adored the wildness of the outdoors as much as the city, and nothing could stay unknown to her, as much was found in these beautiful mountain ranges of Washington both Olympic and Cascade. We find her in the wild growing things… the rustle of leaves on trees, the opening blossom, the gale off the sea. She was the peace and the storm all in one, and breathed serenity upon the garden she tended. An abundant home garden and sanctuary with her husband James, son Mac, and extended family member Augustine. They are tended to this day still by those close to her…
A true champion of life, advocate of truth, and kind soul. She conquered the hearts of all she met. A quote she chose in life:
“It is better to conquer yourself than to win a thousand battles. Then the victory is yours. It cannot be taken from you, not by angels or by demons, heaven or hell.” —Buddha
A celebration of life will be held at 17232 61st Pl. W., Lynnwood, WA. September 5-7th 2025.
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
