Juanita Wilson Provo

Juanita Wilson Provo, 85, a long time resident of the Peninsula, died January 16, 2015 at her Long Beach residence. The daughter of Maxwell and Marie (Webbe) Wilson, she was born at home in Long Beach on April 9, 1929. Juanita attended local grade schools and graduated from Ilwaco High School and from the College of Puget Sound. She obtained her master's degree from Seattle University. Juanita taught in west Seattle from 1952 until 1968 when she returned to the Peninsula. She taught at Ocean Beach schools until she became principal at both Long Beach Elementary and Ilwaco High School prior to retirement. Juanita was the first female principal of Ocean Beach schools since World War II. In 1951 she married Earl "Max" Marasko in Long Beach, Washington. After returning to the Peninsula from Seattle they operated the Anchorage Court Motel north of Long Beach. At the age of 78, Juanita became reacquainted with Raymond Provo, a fellow catholic and former Ilwaco High School colleague. They were married in 2007 and spent five special years living in their home on Willapa Bay. Until Ray's death in 2011, they enjoyed beachcombing, travelling and their combined eleven children, twenty grand-children and ten great-grand-children. Juanita was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Seaview and active with the American Legion Auxiliary. Additionally she was a member of the Association of American University Women and the Modern Travelers. Traveling was a favorite endeavor and she enjoyed many cruises around the world. Reading, parish activities, bingo and watching the wildlife around her Willapa Bay home were also enjoyed. Juanita is survived by her daughter Karin MariaGrazia Marasco; brother Robert M. "Skip" Wilson; son-in-law Layne Prest; sister-in-law Mary Wilson; grandchildren Emily Anne, Lauren Claire and Abigail Rose. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Earl Marasko; and Ray Provo whom she married following Earl's death. Recitation of the Rosary will commence at 12:30 PM followed by a Funeral Mass on Friday, January 23, 2015 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Seaview. A reception will follow. ,