Obituary of Marilyn Patrice Gustafson

“Miss Marilyn” “I think of heaven as a garden where I shall find again those dear ones who made my world.” Our beautiful Marilyn left this life surrounded by her loving family: husband Shaun, mother Kim, sister Shannon, father John, and her beloved beagle Nellie. Her courage, strength and spirit during this past year were remarkable. She was a loving daughter, life partner and best friend to her husband, treasured sister and cherished friend to many. Although “Miss Marilyn” never had children of her own, she was the greatest Auntie in the world to Sami and Zac, her niece and nephew, and impressed the lives of hundreds of children and families at the New Adventures Childcare Center at Multicare in Tacoma. The way Marilyn touched the hearts and souls of those around her was a gift, her smile and laugh were contagious, her eyes so gentle, and her soul was amazing. Marilyn was born in Oceanside, California, and moved to Tacoma when she was 18 months old. She attended Life Christian School in Tacoma, Puyallup and Alaska schools and University Place schools. She graduated from Curtis High School in 1992. Marilyn received her Early Childhood Education degree from Pierce College in Tacoma. She was a rising star at Multicare’s New Adventures Childrens Center from the start of her employment 17 years ago, teaching in the “Busy Bee” class room and advancing to Manager of the Center. Marilyn loved teaching. Her enthusiasm was evident through activities she planned, the classroom environment she created, and most of all, from the laughter and smiles of the children who loved her dearly. Many of Miss Marilyn's children insisted on wearing their hair “just like Miss Marilyn”, or using the same soap so they could “smell just like Miss Marilyn”; her huge spirit lives on in the children she forever changed for the better. Marilyn was a “rock” to many – she had a strong stubborn streak and sense of honesty which made friends and family adore her more. She loved to entertain, and was well known for her “Dirty Martinis and Bloody Mary’s” as well as her cooking. Marilyn had an infectious laugh, a “wicked sense of humor”, along with a quick wit. She lit up the room with her smile. She was a competitive game player and the first to stand up and sing Karaoke. Marilyn loved camping and boating with Shaun, Nellie, family and friends. Most of all Marilyn loved being with children – she adored Sami and Zak (niece and nephew) and had many surrogate nieces and nephews through her friends. Marilyn is survived by her husband Shaun Dorman of Tacoma, mother Kim (Wall) Gustafson of University Place, father John Gustafson of Tacoma, sister Shannon Gustafson and niece and nephew Samantha “Sami” and Zachary “Zac” Jenkins of Willits, CA., along with her extended loved family – Grandpa Wall, Grandma Gustafson, Aunt Cindy, Aunt Theresa, Aunt Laurie, Uncle Jeff from CA. There may be people who are loved as much as Marilyn, but no one was loved more than Miss Marilyn. One of her “Busy Bees students” recently turned five, and she was given a helium balloon. She shared very simply what we all yearn for: “If I hold on tight to the string with both hands, would I be able to float up to Heaven and give Miss Marilyn a visit?” The family wishes to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Oncology physicians, and the nurses, pharmacists and staff at Multicare Tacoma General who cared for Marilyn - many knew and loved Marilyn as a teacher to their children and treated her as a family member. We also would like to express a special thank-you and love for all the support received from the Staff of Multicare New Adventures Childcare Center. Donations in her memory may be made to: MHS Fund Development New Adventures Child Care Center c/o Marilyn Gustafson Foundation P.O. Box 5296, Tacoma, WA 98415-0296 Memorial Service for Marilyn will be held Saturday, April 7th 1:00PM at: Immanuel Presbyterian Church, 901 N J St, Tacoma, WA 98403 (Coffee reception to follow service) After the Memorial Service a Celebration of Life Party for family and friends will be held at 6:00pm - Chambers Bay Environmental Services Building, 9850 64th Street West, University Place, WA 98466 Arrangements by Edwards Memorial