“It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Aurore Marie Fickeisen, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, who died on June 25, 2026, at her home on Camano Island, Washington, with her family by her side,” her family wrote.
Aurore Marie was born Jan. 16, 1942, in Wrangell, the first of four daughters of William and Mildred Grant. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Noel Smith.
Aurore Marie is survived by her husband, Larry, of 65 years; two children, Eric Fickeisen (wife Laurie) and Julianne Thal (husband Cory); grandchildren Daniel Thal (wife Mikey), Colin Thal (wife Erin), Max Thal (partner Megan) and Marla Thal; great-grandchild Derek Thal, born June 21, 2026 (parents Colin and Erin Thal); sisters Bonnie Grant and Jeanie Pellet; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Aurore Marie and Larry were partners in the Fickeisen Corp., building schools and government buildings in various parts of remote Alaska and later building custom homes on Camano Island. Aurore Marie loved cooking for her family and friends, attending water aerobics with friends, being chauffeured in her Model A Ford, playing pinochle and watching her favorite nightly show, “Jeopardy.”
Aurore Marie’s classmates and friends from Wrangell stayed in touch over the years and have remained lifelong friends.
Aurore Marie and Larry logged more than 40,000 miles touring the northwest states in their antique cars with several car clubs: Camano Island Model A, T and Camano Island Car and Social Society, Sea-Tac and Skagit Horseless Carriage Club of America. These countless tours, clubs and friends were a highlight in their lives.
Aurore Marie was active in the Stanwood and Camano Island senior centers, Utsalady Ladies Aid and the Stanwood/Camano Island Yacht Club in Washinton.
The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to Aurore Marie’s caregivers and Providence Hospice in Seattle, Washington, for their support during Aurore Marie’s illness.
Per request of Aurore Marie, there will be no services.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks please consider donating to the Parkinson’s Foundation at www.parkinson.org.
