— from the family of Margie Doyle —

Orcas Island and its close-knit community has always been so important to our Mom. For many years she has taken so much meaning from her work among you all as an editor, journalist, activist, musician, lifelong learner, and friend. We want to share with you now a recent health complication she is enduring and, to whatever extent it is knowable, what the immediate future holds for her. Although this is sad news to deliver, we hold to the idea that every phase of our lives can be imbued with meaning, and that will be something to hold onto when it feels like so much is slipping away.

In October 2018 Mom began to suffer some effects of a neurological condition, which produced small lesions in her brain. Over a number of doctor visits and MRI scans, doctors continued to search for a definitive diagnosis. A little more than a week ago, her symptoms worsened and she was admitted to the neurology unit at Swedish Hospital in Seattle. This time, the lesions affecting her brain have had more profound effects on her memory, ability to communicate, and a few other facets of her personality. At this point we are hoping that the effects are somewhat reversible, but are in the difficult position of not knowing what is a permanent effect and what is temporary. This has, from the beginning, been a challenge of “wait and see.”

Her doctors continue to search for a diagnosis, and while she currently remains hospitalized, we aren’t sure yet what comes next. If you’d like to send her a letter or card, we have included an address below. Her address may change over the next few months, so her kids will make sure that your card gets to her. Though she is mostly unable to communicate directly at this point, she is always happy to hear from any of her dear friends and family.  

Margie Doyle
℅ Jeff Steele
6238 N.E. Center Street
Suquamish, WA 98392

If you would like to send her children Jasmine, Rory or Jeff an email, you are welcome to do so. As we are in constant contact with each other, just send a message to her son Jeff and he will try to reply when he can. His email is: jeffdoylesteele@gmail.com

EDITOR’S NOTE: Prior to her hospitalization, Margie executed a Purchase Agreement transferring ownership of Orcas Issues to Lin McNulty. She wants the work to go on.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

**If you are reading theOrcasonian for free, thank your fellow islanders. If you would like to support theOrcasonian CLICK HERE to set your modestly-priced, voluntary subscription. Otherwise, no worries; we’re happy to share with you.**