Margaret (Casey) Pheasant passed away November 28, 2010, at St. Joseph Residence in Seattle, WA. She was born April 11, 1912, at home in Burke, WA, to the late Mary Ann (McCann) Casey and Frank Casey, immigrants from Ireland and Scotland, who farmed in the Quincy, WA area. Margaret's life evolved around her family, nursing and her church community. She met her husband, Earl Pheasant, at Tonasket Hospital and they were married on June 22, 1937. In 2010, they celebrated 73 years of marriage. Margaret was the eldest of seven and traveled by buggy with her sisters to attend a country school. She graduated from Holy Names High School, Spokane, in 1931, and St. Anthony's School of Nursing, Wenatchee, in 1934. Margaret's legacy as a nurse was her integrity, advocating for her patients with skillful diplomacy and quick wit in dealing with challenging situations. Her nursing career spanned 50 years in Seattle and Tonasket hospitals. Margaret served as President for District 20 of the Washington State Nurses' Association. She and Earl owned apple orchards in Tonasket. They were beloved elders in the community. Margaret highly valued her Irish and Scottish heritage and is remembered for her dry sense of humor. She was a tireless wife, mother, friend and mentor to many women in health care and community work.

Margaret is survived by two children, Patrick and Maggie; granddaughters, Lynda Feld (James) and Diana Schaan (Nicholas); her daughter-in-law, Marit; great-grandchildren, Jeremy, Gabriel, Penelope and Winston; brother, Jack Casey; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Earl; her son, Gregory; sisters, Alice, Cecilia and Teresa; and brothers, Frank and Arthur.

Margaret's family acknowledges the Sisters of Providence for welcoming her into St. Joseph's Residence; Providence Hospice; The Kenney and the staff of 9 SW, Swedish Medical Center.

Funeral Mass will be Celebrated Tuesday, December 7, 2010, at 11:30 a.m., at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 625 Elliott Avenue, Wenatchee, WA 98801, with Burial at Wenatchee City Cemetery. A dinner will follow at St. Joseph's Hall. Her family suggests memorials to Holy Rosary Church, P.O. Box 533, Tonasket, WA 98855 or Our Lady of the Rockies Memorial in Butte, MT.