Messial-Marie Champaco Cruz

Messial-Marie Champaco Cruz left us far too early on May 29, 2025, at the age of 53. She is survived by: her spouse April Cyaltsa (Cy) Finkbonner; her parents: Juan Flores Cruz and Marie Champaco Cruz; brother Duane and wife Jennifer; and nieces Adiyana and Abrielle, and nephews Devvin, Nikolas, and Kaden. Born on Nov. 18, 1971, Messial, a.k.a. “Ms. Cruz,” lived a life of happiness, passion, empathy, and love. The younger of two siblings, she was born on the Pacific Island of Guam and was raised in her Chamorro culture that would shape her life. Her family relocated to Port Orchard, Wash. in 1979, and she quickly became involved in sports and cultural activities, such as dancing and teaching hula. She graduated from South Kitsap High School in 1989, and during her senior year, she was named Miss Guam Liberation for the state of Washington. She then attended Portland State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree.

After school, Messial began working in the mortgage industry – a career in which she discovered a passion for helping people fulfill their home ownership goals and aspirations. She worked at several financial institutions, including the last 13 years as a home loan officer at Umpqua Bank. Messial worked hard at her job so that she could play harder. When she wasn’t working, Messial was busy lighting up rooms with her 1,000-watt smile and infectious, loving personality. She never hesitated to help people during their most desperate times and inspired more people than she realized. She was a loyal fan of the Seattle Seahawks, (rain, or shine), along with the WNBA’s Seattle Storm.

Most importantly, Messial poured herself into her family and friends. She adored her spouse, Cyaltsa, who’s a proud member of the Lummi Nation, a place they frequently visited. Messial whole heartedly loved her mom, dad, brother, nieces, nephews, aunties, uncles, cousins, her clients and coworkers who became life long friends and anyone else she considered family or friends.

Although she is gone too soon, Messial coined a phrase that she often repeated to anyone, which is exactly how she lived her short-but-amazing time here: “It’s a good life!”

We will miss you, Messial, but we know you’re always with us, and we will remember, it’s a good life.