Alison Dawn Blankenship, 41, of Blaine, WA passed away on December 29, 2024 at the University of Washington Medical Center from a brain tumor.  Her beloved fiancé, Justin, never left her side throughout her stay in the Medical Center. Alison was born on June 7, 1983, in Anacortes, WA the second of two children born to the late Joseph Blankenship and Kim Norman.

While she was in Junior High School, she joined the Swim Team as she loved swimming. Alison graduated from Anacortes High School with the Class of 2001. Her senior class voted her most likely to never grow up.  Alison received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Eastern WA University in 2005.

She taught swim lessons to kids in Anacortes.  Alison was a lifeguard and progressed to Supervisor at the Fidalgo Pool and Fitness Center.  She lived in Hawaii for a short period of time and could be found on the beach, the same beach where President Obama vacationed on.

Her grandparents owned a lot at Skagit River Woods.  Many summer weekends were spent there with friends; swimming, biking, crossing Skagit River, Bingo and BBQs. One weekend in every August was reserved for fun days, which included sack races, games and swimming events. Alison always finished first in every swim race.  In 1999, her brother left for college and she became owner of his 1992 Acura Legend.  Many miles were put on the car, dragging the gut with friends.  Alison also loved hiking and would take her parents' chocolate Lab, Bailey on her hiking trips to WA State Park or Cranberry Lake.

In 2021, a mutual friend, introduced Alison to Justin Tacker of Blaine, WA, who became the love of her life.  They got engaged on May of 2023 and had a son, Oscar on March 29, 2024, whom she nicknamed "Nugget."  Oscar soon replaced Bailey as she would put him in the stroller and off they would go on trail hikes.  According to Justin, the eagle was Alison's spirit animal.  Her interest in life around her was limitless. Alison had a huge record collection and collected many different kinds of rocks and crystals.  She enjoyed making bracelets for family members.

Alison found her dream job with Lifeline Connections in Bellingham, WA as it resonated with her love for humanity and helping those in recovery processes. She was only able to spend a year with them as she was taken away much too soon from this world.  Heaven must have a huge swimming pool that Heaven needed someone to teach swim lessons to.

She was predeceased by her dad, Joseph Blankenship and his brothers, Steve, James and Michael.  Alison is survived by her son, Oscar, his dad Justin and Justin's mother Sandy; her mother Kim and her stepdad Don Norman; her brother Adam (Riley) Blankenship and their children: Leo, Norah and Quinn; her uncles, Robert (Michelle) and David Blankenship; her aunts, Keith Anne and Sally Blankenship and Jill McLaughlin; several cousins and many, many friends.

Her Memorial Service will be held 1 pm on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at Evans Funeral Chapel, followed by a Reception held at Secret Cove Restaurant.

To share memories of Alison, please visit www.evanschapel.com/obituary/alison-blankenship