Marcy Fischer

A celebration for Wilson resident Marcy Ann Ray Fischer has been scheduled for 3 p.m. Saturday at Teton Village Commons followed by, per Fischer's request, a party at the Mangy Moose.

Fischer died peacefully Sept. 30 at home in the arms of her devoted husband Mike and son Shea with her loving family and friends surrounding her. She was 59.

Her family provided the following.

Born in Santa Cruz, California, Marcy was the second oldest of Carole and Harold Ray’s four daughters. Marcy was proud of her California roots. Her signature long blond hair, California “cool,” sunny attitude and ferocious lust for life are attributes we all admired. Marcy attended Soquel High in Santa Cruz. After graduation, she went on to take businesses classes at Cabrillo College.

Marcy was active in her youth. She was on the swim team, played Pop Warner football and was always surrounded by a pack of great friends. Whenever she went back to Santa Cruz, she would take long walks on the beach or hike in the beautiful redwoods with family and friends.

Marcy traveled to Jackson in 1983 on a two-week ski vacation to visit a high school friend. She fell in love with the Tetons and the Jackson Hole hiking, biking and skiing lifestyle. After two years, Marcy moved back to California where she began a long and successful career in the computer industry.

In 1987 Marcy traded suits and heels for Patagonia standup shorts, fleece jackets and Sorels and returned to Jackson. After stints at Cafe Christine and the Jackson Hole Ski Corp. she landed at UniLink Software, the first tech company in Jackson. Marcy was an exceptionally hard worker and was recognized for her aptitude and intellect.

At UniLink Marcy rose through the ranks to become head of software sales. In 2002, Creative Solutions (later Thomson Reuters) out of Dexter, Michigan purchased UniLink. Marcy continued her sales position in Jackson by negotiating a "work from home" arrangement that lasted for more than 10 years. This allowed her to be home and available to her family while pursuing her career. From her years at UniLink Software/Thomson Reuters, Marcy met and retained some of her dearest and oldest friends who lasted her lifetime.

Not long after her return to Jackson, Marcy fell in love again. At a 4th of July party, she met Mike Fischer. They talked all night like old friends. Mike got up the courage to ask her out, and to his surprise she said yes! That one date was all it took to establish their inseparable bond. During their five-year courtship, Mike and Marcy traversed the west in their VW camper van, chasing climbing routes, mountain bike rides and adventure.

Marcy and Mike married on June 21, 1992 at the summit of Signal Mountain in Grand Teton National Park. The ceremony was followed by a fabulous celebration at the Jackson Lake Lodge. The sparkle in Marcy and Mike’s eyes outshone the June alpenglow over Mount Moran.

On Aug. 23, 1996 the Fischers welcomed Shea Alexander to the family. The early years of raising a family in Wilson included camping trips, biking and climbing. One summer weekend, Marcy surprised Mike with a pop-up camper that she had purchased at a garage sale. The Fishers always had a great camping setup, and many fun times were had, rain or shine in the “condo on wheels.” Camping became especially central to their lives as close friends also started families.

Marcy was so very proud of Shea and the man he has become. She was an amazing mom, not only to Shea, but also to all the kids who came into her home. Shea grew up with a posse of friends who are still close and remain at his side. Marcy inspired each of us to do a little better. Ever quick to forgive the adolescent shenanigans of youth, her attitude reminded us to take it easy. This dedicated mother raised Shea, by example, to be independent, kind and compassionate. Over the years, he has developed in so many ways to absorb those values. She would dearly have loved to be present to continue to see him evolving into adulthood, further independence, marriage and family. We are confident that Marcy’s hopes for Shea’s happiness into adult life will be fulfilled with her always close in his heart.

Marcy and Mike had an enviable, loving and fun filled partnership for over 32 years. They were there for each other in adventure, health and in sickness too. This was supremely evident when Marcy received her cancer diagnosis. Mike dropped everything and eventually quit his job to be by his sweetie, Marcy’s side. He was the most incredible, capable and compassionate caregiver. Marcy’s illness made their inseparable bond closer.

Marcy will be remembered for her excellent humor, her strength in adversity and her natural ability to cultivate deep and lasting multi-generational friendships. With her wide smile and ready laughter, Marcy had an easy propensity for connecting with people, and she generously shared those friendships. Always stepping up to help when others were in need, she had a sympathetic ear and offered sound advice. Her opinions were candid, compassionate, and direct. She was a trusted confidante to many in the valley.

Marcy will also be recalled for her love of the outdoor lifestyle Jackson Hole offers. As her athleticism developed, her confidence grew. She embraced climbing, skiing, mountain biking, trail running, hiking and yoga. She was an early member of the Slim Chance athletic club and encouraged her friends to join her at Step and YogaFit. Later, she became a devoted CrossFit athlete at the Teton Sports Club. It was the ideal challenge for her inner strength and determination. Her advanced cancer diagnosis did not keep Marcy from the gym. For several years, she remained a regular at CrossFit and an inspiration to her fellow gym mates. On good days she could be found doing one of her favorite workouts, the “Filthy 50” or walking on the treadmill.

Even during her battle with cancer, Marcy found the energy to be a dedicated volunteer at Vertical Harvest, and she took great joy in volunteering as a mountain host at the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.

Her warm smile lit up many a room, along with her uncrushable, positive attitude. She leaves a giant void in this community, as everyone who was lucky enough to know her recognizes fully.

Marcy is survived by her husband Mike; and son Shea. She is also survived by her mom, Carole Ray; sisters Bonnie (husband Peter), Jennifer (husband Nick) and Kimberly (husband Steve); nieces and nephews Rebecca, Meagan, Mara and Matthew; plus the numerous people who had the good fortune to be warmed by her friendship.

Marcy is preceded in death by her father, Harold Ray; and her sweet dog, Kelly, who never left her side.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a future memorial bench constructed in Marcy’s honor. If you wish to contribute, please donate to the established GoFund me page at GoFundMe.com/f/6dvh2t4