Stories Celebrating the Life and Work
of Jacinta McKoy
Jacinta McKoy passed away suddenly on March 19, 2004 in Olympia. Her death comes as a heavy blow to her family and countless friends. Jacinta was an incomparable friend, peerless employee, gifted mediator, practitioner of yoga, stylish dresser, student of the healing arts, and bon vivant.
She was possessed of a deep sense of community and friendship, which she bestowed freely and warmly on all she met. Her spiritual life was interwoven with her political commitments, making her engagement with people and causes a practice in compassion and discernment.
Jacinta's serenity, grace, and sense of hospitality were legend. She handed out chocolates, poems, herbal remedies, and kind words with ease. Those who did not know her aspired to make her acquaintance, and she instantly enveloped them with her charm.Born in Spokane in 1959, she enrolled at The Evergreen State College in 1982, and started working for the college as an office assistant in 1986. Although Jacinta earned her bachelor's degree in 1991, she continued taking classes for several more years. Also in 1991, she was promoted to the position she held at the time of her death.Taking uncommon care with her work, Jacinta performed her many responsibilities beyond expectation and with unfailing good humor. As performing and media arts coordinator, she was responsible for Evergreen's Communications Building and those who worked and came there: performers, faculty, students, staff, and guests. She strove to create an environment of welcome, professionalism, and collaboration.
This winter Jacinta trudged through the snow at 4:00 a.m., when most of the college's denizens were still warm in their beds, to ensure that the coffee was brewing and lights on to welcome a visiting photography crew. Her colleagues have legions of stories about the kindnesses she offered, with a smile and a hug, to everyone whose path crossed hers.Jacinta is survived by her mother, Erma Jean McKoy, of Spokane; father, Amos McKoy, of Idaho; and innumerable friends. Plans for a service are pending.