Faye Kohler Truskowski

Dec 25, 1937 -

Dec 12, 2023

Faye Kohler Truskowski, 87, was born in Alvin, Texas, and passed away in Kent, Wash., while in hospice care.

Faye graduated from Texas Christian University's Harris College of Nursing and was one of the first women to enroll in the new Navy Hospitals of the Government nursing graduate program. During this time she met Jerome "Jerry" Truskowski on a blind date. They married on March 30, 1959, embarking on a 64-year partnership.

In 1978, Faye became the Director of Nursing at Anchorage, Alaska's Providence Hospital. There she coordinated the opening of the thermal unit, collaborated to start the maternity unit and the hospice program, and assisted in establishing Charter North Hospital. She accomplished all of this with grace, compassion, professionalism and an unwillingness to turn away from difficult situations. One former colleague wrote that Faye could "nail Jell-O to a wall" in getting seemingly impossible tasks accomplished.

In 1986, Faye and Jerry relocated to Auburn, Wash., where she worked at Seattle's Virginia Mason Hospital. She finished her career as a clinic nurse responsible for employee health.

Faye loved the Grand Canyon and had some memorable treks with her best adventure friend, Deb Whitaker, including a rim-to-rim hike and a stay at Havasupai Falls. She and Jerry traveled through Europe on several Rick Steves Tours, and McCarthy, Alaska, was also a favorite place.

Faye and Jerry had a strong Catholic faith life, and lived it through countless acts of generosity, including hosting exchange students, teaching catechism classes and helping those in need get a fresh start.

Faye is survived by her brother, Frank Jr. (Stella); sister, Betty Frost; husband, Jerry; sons, Brett (Kirsten), Brent (Melinda), Michael (Julie) and Joshua; daughter, Kim Bouwkamp (Michael); nine grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Interment with full military honors will take place on April 22, 2024, at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent. A Celebration of Life will follow at Veterans Memorial Park in Auburn.