$0.00(0 items )

No products in the cart.

Marion Norma Seelye (born Stephens)

Personal

Gender: Female

Date of Birth: September 27, 1924

Date of Death: February 22, 2020

Birth Place: Seattle, WA

Death Place: Anacortes, WA.

Marion Norma Seelye

The Lord called for Marion Norma Seelye on February 22, 2020.

Marion was born to Alfred John Stephens and Albertha Lillian Michaelson in Seattle on September 27,1924. At age 95, she passed away at Lighthouse care with the loving support of family, friends, staff, and Hospice.

Marion graduated from West Seattle High School. She then attended the University of Washington and did her part for WWII by working nights at the war department converted Ford Assembly plant which provided supplies to the Pacific front. She married Ernest M. Seelye on October 12, 1944 in Bellingham. Their first year together was spent at Camp Pendleton, CA.

They returned to start a farm along the Nooksack River at Maple Falls. The first of 5 children, Dan (Christie Quant ) of Port Orchard, was born and followed by Frank (Barbara Sheets) Ferndale, Steve (Margret Bengen) of Bellingham, Barbara Hylton (Robert) of Anacortes, and Chris of Mukilteo. In 1952 the family moved into “town” at Maple Falls and the front porch of the house became the post office. Marion was the local postmaster. She went back to school at Western Washington State College and became a mathematics teacher. The family moved to Manchester, WA in 1964 so she could accept a teaching position at Marcus Whitman Jr. High in Port Orchard. Living on the beach at Manchester was special with ever changing activity and scenery. Marion was active with the Friends of the Library group.

Marion and Ernie retired in 1984 and spent their active retirement years at Brinnon, WA, on Hood Canal. They built a house, planted a large garden, and were active community volunteers with Hospice, the Brinnon Community Church, the school, and Marion became a First Responder with the Brinnon Fire Department. They traveled and Marion continued to add to her collection of beach agates.

Mount Vernon became their home in 2001 where they became active with the Burlington Christian Alliance Church and the YMCA. Marion continued the habit of major remodeling and they planted a large garden, from which they shared produce with family and friends. She enjoyed time in her sewing room working on garments and quilts. There were always several books being read simultaneously. Marion also attended Summit Park Bible Church for several years.

At the age of 92 things changed, Marion had to give up driving, she fell and moved to Lighthouse Memory Care where she enjoyed the staff and activities. Her favorite activity continued to be time with family and friends.

Throughout her life Marion was the one in the background quietly getting things done. She also loved activity and would climb an apple tree with a great granddaughter, the Tikal pyramid in Guatemala, or ambitiously climbed the historic Alaskan Chilcoot Pass at age 70. Marion was an exceptional role model. She did not just say she loved her family; she dedicated her life to their wellbeing and joy. She demonstrated learning is a lifelong endeavor. She was an early adopter of healthy living through nutrition and exercise. Marion was a woman of principles and demonstrated her values consistently.

In addition to her children, Marion, is survived by grandchildren: Connie Webster (Tony Horn), Carolyn Starman, Les Seelye (Connie Lem) Katharine (Jason) Zasa, and Alexis Cammack (Colby Schrum). Her great grandchildren include Amanda and Connor Webster, Grant Seelye, Madeline, Duncan, and Zachary Zasa. There are also numerous special nieces and nephews.

Graveside service is March 7th, 2020 at 11:40 AM at the Lummi Island Cemetery following with fellowship at the Lummi Island Congregational Church.

Published online by Kern Funeral Home and Mount Vernon Cemetery

Looking to pay for the 2023 SGS International Reunion fees online? Learn How