It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Nora Cassandra (Cassie) Stanton (nee Thackray), late of Cascade Valley Senior Living in Arlington, Washington on July 20th, 2009. Cassie – a war bride born in 1919 in the city of Barnsley, Yorkshire, England — is predeceased by her husband of 56 years, George Theodore Stanton. The 3rd daughter of William & Nora Thackray, she performed acrobatic diving stunts with her father to help the

destitute family of 10 survive during the depression. Cassie endured the London Blitz in WWII, only to find herself living in post-war Germany as her husband pursued a career in the CIA. A naturalized US citizen, she made many sacrifices for her adopted country during the Cold War. Her primary interest was building a strong family, with emphasis on duty, honor, honesty, and dignity — values which have informed and enriched the lives of her five children, nine grandchildren, and six great grandchildren. In 1974, she retired with her husband from the D.C. area to Anacortes, Washington, where she was an active member of the Anacortes Yacht Club and enjoyed RVing throughout the western US. Cassie moved to her residence at Cascade Valley in 2002 and made many friends, all of whom describe her as a “special lady”.

She is survived by her sister Barbara Margetson, and brothers Gerald, Gordon, and Trevor Thackray, and her daughters Barbara Maleng, Nora Arant, Loretta Buchanan, and sons William and Robert Stanton.

The family is extremely grateful for the quality of care and affection of both staff and residents at Cascade Valley. In particular, the family wishes to express its sincere appreciation to Skagit Hospice for their kindness, attention to detail, and utmost respect for our mother’s dignity and comfort at the end of her life.

Services for family and friends was held Friday, July 24 at 1:30 p.m. at Peace Lutheran Church, 1717 Larson Road, Silvana, Wash.

In lieu of flowers, food or other tokens of affection, the family respectfully suggests a donation to Skagit Hospice Foundation PO Box 1376, Mount Vernon, WA 98237, in Nora Cassandra’s name.