Alysson Jean Probst
May 25, 1973 – July 30, 2026
Give me a minute… I’ve got this
Alysson was born May 25, 1973, in Portland, Oregon. She grew up in Portland’s West Hills and spent many of her formative years at the MAC Club. She graduated Highschool from St. Mary’s Academy. Alysson received her bachelor’s degree summa cum laude in 2024, from Arizona State University, an accomplishment that spoke to her lifelong love of learning, determination, and sharp mind.
Alysson began her career at Starbucks as a barista and spent more than 25 years growing into increasingly influential leadership roles within the company. Her career took her throughout the country, including many years in Alaska, and gave her the opportunity to help open Starbucks Roasteries in Seattle, New York, and Chicago. She ultimately served as an operations leader supporting the Starbucks Roasteries and later as a manager of operations consultation.
One of Alysson’s favorite career memories was traveling to Costa Rica, where she had dinner with CEO Howard Schultz and met some of the farmers who grew coffee for Starbucks. The experience reflected so much of what mattered to her, not simply the finished product, but the people, relationships, and stories behind it.
After leaving Starbucks in 2022, Alysson joined Talking Rain as a project and program innovation manager. She loved people, problem-solving, and anything that challenged her active and creative mind. She took particular pride in developing others, giving them the confidence to make decisions, and helping them recognize their own potential. “Ask for forgiveness, not permission” was one of the lessons she shared, encouraging those around her to take ownership of their choices and learn from their mistakes.
Alysson always made people the heart of her work. She generously shared the spotlight, celebrated the successes of those around her, and helped countless people grow throughout their careers. Her impact as a leader was so meaningful that she was affectionately described by those who worked with her as “the greatest boss ever.”
Her creativity and entrepreneurial spirit extended far beyond her professional career. In 2020, Alysson founded ZenSudz, where she created beautifully crafted, luxuriously lathery soaps that she sold to customers around the world. It was the perfect combination of her creativity, attention to detail, business sense, and love of making something special for others.
Alysson met the love of her life and best friend, Rachel, in 2004. Finding the courage to ask Rachel out was a decision Alysson never regretted. Over the next 22 years, they built a beautiful life together, moving from Portland to Alaska, then to Seattle, back to Alaska, and ultimately settling in the Seattle area. Alysson often spoke about how fortunate she felt to have married her best friend.
Together, Alysson and Rachel traveled the world and created countless memories. Their adventures took them to Italy, Germany, Norway, and Costa Rica. Italy held a particularly special place in Alysson’s heart, where she delighted in incredible food, fine wine, and most importantly….gelato every day.
Alysson possessed an extraordinary zest for life. She loved interpretive dancing, singing, attending concerts, baking cupcakes, cooking, gardening, crafting, painting, sewing, quilting, and making soap. She never encountered a craft she did not want to try, and most recently enjoyed creating artist trading cards and learning to quilt.
She found joy outdoors, especially near the water. Alysson treasured time in Seaside, Oregon, where she could take in the ocean, beach, and waves. She also loved camping throughout the Pacific Northwest, paddleboarding, hiking, and participating in marathons. She appreciated life’s simplest pleasures, including music, laughter, time with the people she loved, and a good serving of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream.
And then there were the dogs. Alysson adored her beloved Boston terriers, Cordelia, Ruppert, Spike, and Stella, who brought immeasurable happiness, companionship, and entertainment into her life.
In 2017, Alysson was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. She met the diagnosis with the same fierceness, courage, humor, and determination with which she approached everything in life. Although cancer became part of her story, it never defined who she was.
Alysson did not face cancer quietly. She participated in numerous cancer-awareness events, shared her story through public speaking, and used her voice to advocate for others facing similar circumstances. Even while carrying the weight of her own illness, she remained committed to raising awareness, offering encouragement, and helping others feel seen and less alone.
Alysson is survived by her beloved wife, Rachel; her cherished boston terriers, Cordelia, Ruppert, Spike, and Stella; her father, Leo, and stepmother, Pam; her mother, Tammy, and stepfather, Byron; as well as her extended family and the many friends, colleagues, and community members who loved her deeply. She was preceded in death by her brother, Nick, whose memory remained close to her heart.
Throughout Alysson’s illness, countless people surrounded her and Rachel with love, encouragement, meals, donations, and acts of kindness. We are deeply grateful to every person who supported them and helped them feel less alone during an extraordinarily difficult journey.
In accordance with Alysson’s wishes, she will return gently to the earth through natural organic reduction. A formal celebration of her life will be held this fall at Imbibe in Maple Valley, Washington.
Alysson was inspirational, welcoming, courageous, creative, and fierce. She lived fully, loved deeply, and left an impact that will never be forgotten. Although her absence leaves an immeasurable space in the hearts of those who loved her, her humor, generosity, courage, and unmistakable spirit will remain with us.
Rest peacefully, Alysson. You are entirely loved and deeply missed.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make a donation to https://www.colonstars.org/
Check your butt.