February 3, 1950 – June 15, 2024
Meredith Anne Kilwine, 74, of La Conner, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, June 15, 2024 surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Seattle, the eldest of three children born to John Edward and Saera Mae (Wuest) Stickels. In 1962 the family relocated to Mercer Island, WA and eventually settled on Lopez Island, WA. They built an A-Frame cabin near Iceberg Point where Meredith and her siblings, Michael and Marti grew up. Meredith graduated from Lopez High School with the Class of 1967.
Meredith married James (Jim) Bigley in 1969. The couple welcomed their daughter, Kelly Lynn in 1969 in Oakland, CA while James was serving in the United States Navy. Jim completed his tour with the Navy in 1970 and the family moved to Phoenix, Arizona. Jim and Meredith later divorced and Meredith and Kelly moved back to the Seattle area.
Meredith married Daryl Kilwine in 1990 and they moved from Redmond to La Conner.
Daryl was a well-established contractor, and together they started DMK Custom Construction. Meredith and Daryl shared a passion for animals and aspired to rescue and home many. She was highly active in numerous online rescue groups and organizations. She dedicated much of her life caring for and nursing back to health her beloved animals, whom she lovingly referred to as her “fur and feathered” kids.
She found immense joy in floral gardening, and her passion for flowers led her to become a certified floral designer in 1992. Meredith cherished her family and enjoyed family gatherings at their home for holidays, celebrations and dinners. Easter was her favorite holiday, and there was a long-standing family joke about her seeing the big pink bunny every Easter morning in the backyard. She loved Snoopy and all the Peanuts characters and surrounded herself with many collectables. Meredith’s social media page is filled with photos that will forever memorialize her remarkable life.
Meredith is survived by her husband of 34 years, Daryl, sister Marti Beth Troxell, daughter Kelly Lynn, grandson Derrek, and great-granddaughter Kylee Rae. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Michael Stickels Sr. In accordance with Meredith’s wishes, a private service was held by the family. Daryl and family wish to thank friends and neighbors for their kindness.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made as donations to her favorite charities, listed at her memorial site: https://www.evanschapel.com/obituary/meredith-kilwine where you can also share memories of Merredith by signing her online guest register.
