Martha Ann Decoteau

Martha Ann “Happy” Decoteau died on Oct. 2, 2009, at Harrison Hospital after an extended illness. Happy was born March 27, 1936, in Ballard to Lars and Mildred (Lund) Birkeland.She was raised in Eglon and attended North Kitsap schools. In 1955 she married Ronald Stoudt and in January 1960 married Joe Decoteau.

She started her long cooking career at age 15 at Point No Point Resort and will be remembered as having worked at the Golden Anchor and the original Drifters – both in Kingston – and The Viking House and The Hill Top in Poulsbo. She also worked The Tides Out in Suquamish and retired after many years from the Kingston Inn where she began the long tradition of the “Prime Rib Dinner.”

Happy will also be remembered for volunteering for everything Kingston including the original volunteer ambulance and fire depts … not only organizing the Kingston 4th of July celebrations and other parades but also taking part in them and serving as Kingston’s “Person of the Year.” She was a founding member of the “Kingston Historical Society.” She also used her cooking skills to be a major organizer of everything from the “Sons of Norway” cod fish derby to Kingston’s pancake breakfasts, yacht club functions and senior center luncheons.

There were no limits to Happy’s generosity and compassion in taking care of others. From running people to doctors appointments to the meals she prepared for those in need and the care she gave to those who couldn’t care for themselves. Happy’s door was always open.

Happy is survived by her children: Jeff Stoudt (Vicky), Denise Studach and Jerry Decoteau, Brother Dave Birkeland and sister Sandy Jackson; grandchildren: Jenny Narod (Mike), Greg Grantham (Mellony), Aaron Donaldson, Brandon Stoudt (Rachel), Leo Studach (Mike), Ashley Donaldson and Josi Orth (Josh); great – grandchildren: Lexy, Kayleigh Sue, Madden, and Annabella, and numerous nieces and nephews; her Aunt Marsha Johnson and Uncle Donald Lund.

She was preceeded in death by daughter Suzan Stoudt Donaldson and sister Caroline Zimmer. Happy will be remembered fondly by all those who new and loved her. The special friends at both the Port Gamble S’Kallam and Suquamish Tribes. The young men who served at the Nike Sites in Kingston, and the people she touched as they were just passing through.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday Oct 10th at 1p.m. at the Port Gamble S’Kallam Tribal Center in Little Boston. Potluck to follow. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Bell Ringer Fund @ Kitsap Herald P.O. Box 1244 Poulsbo WA 98370.