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Marilyn Straw Obituary
June 8, 1949-Jan. 1, 2013
Resident of Scotts Valley
Scotts Valley, California - Marilyn Brownton (Miles) Straw, 63, passed away on January 1, 2013, after a year-long battle with lung cancer. She died at home surrounded by her family and friends. Marilyn was a beloved mother and wife and the daughter of the late William and Virginia DeVore Brownton.
Marilyn will be remembered for her curious mind and dedication to education. A Bay Area local, she received her early education in Willow Glen before completing undergraduate work at Cal Berkeley in 1971. She also received a master's degree in Clinical Psychology from San Jose State University in 1992. Marilyn's varied work life included time at Yosemite and Granite Construction in Watsonville.
Marilyn endeavored to improve the community around her and she was a lifelong leader and role model. During her teenage years, she worked with Job's Daughters. Her passion for education continued throughout her life and expanded into her community. She played an influential role in building Scotts Valley High School to emphasize first-class academics and an expanded women's sports program.
To Marilyn, life was an ongoing adventure. She could be seen jogging seven days a week in all types of weather. She loved the outdoors, especially the High Sierras. She continued that adventure when she retired to San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico with her husband Jim. Marilyn remained active and involved in retirement, joining the Caracol Homeowners' Association in 1996. She served two terms as President and another two terms as Secretary.
Family and friends will remember her as a patient, supportive and insightful woman who possessed a delightfully irreverent sense of humor.
She is survived by her husband Jim, daughters: Mandy Straw, Tammy Straw-Dunn (Adam Dunn), Sadie Sanders (Seth Sanders); granddaughter Cora Sanders; one brother Glenn Brownton (Mary Counihan); and so many other extended family and friends.
A public celebration of Marilyn's life will be held at a future date. Please contact Marilyn's family at [email protected] to stay connected with plans for this celebration.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lung Cancer Research Foundation at 845 Third Avenue 6th Flr., New York, New York 10022 or online at https://www.lungcancerresearchfoundation.org/donate.php
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Marilyn Straw
Kay Friedlob
January 14, 2014
Will always keep you in my heart dear one---love you mucho----xoxoxo Kay
Karen
January 10, 2014
You are always in my heart Dear friend,you were a true angel on this earth, miss you
Karenxxxx
Angel Wings, Soring above the San Carlos Mountains.
Karen Delaney
February 13, 2013
I think of you and miss you every day my Dearest Friend,I feel truly blessed to have had you in my life and your friendship. I shall always remember your smile and your laugh and have happy memories having our "English" cups of tea together.
My deepest Symapthy goes to all your family for loosing you way too early.
I often smile at your picture and celebrate your life,the memories and the many blessing you gave us all.The picture I share is you "Soaring with the Angels" I see your wings above our San Carlos Mountains. As each New Year begins I will celebrate your life,and your legacy.
Always in my heart,"I love You"
Your friend,Karen
Kay Friedlob
January 23, 2013
Thank you Marilyn for being a friend I could count on to always be there for advice and support. You are a rare being of light and love. The time I spent with you in San Carlos I will always remember---expecially our ladies group which I loved and you always had interesting things to add to our discussions. But the thing I will remember the most fondly about you was your love of people and your caring for everyone around you. Thank you for being there for me through the hardests time of my life and having the knowledge and exact right words for me----I will miss you alot. You attracted people to you with your warm and caring personality. I am sure that you are soaring with the angels now and having a marvelous time.
I will always remember you with great love and appreciation ---Kay Friedlob
January 23, 2013
I only knew Marilyn for the past few years here in San Carlos, Mexico. She was in our reading group and always brought new insight to the group regarding our "book of the month." I will miss her gentle smile and outlook on life. She will be missed, fondly, Nancy Walker
January 22, 2013
Yesterday I visited with Rosina, and she gave me the news! I was shocked as the last email I received she was OK and going to SC, to help with Hrold.When I heard she was sick, I devoted a yoga pose to her, I did her yoga pose most days and will continue to do it in her honor and mediating on healing, sending her love, etc. She was a very interesting person, a bit of an engineer type, always analyzing the poses, always curious. I made the Rose Quartz necklace for her. I will miss her and am so sad for your loss.
Laura D. Parsons
Trudi Diffendaffer
January 16, 2013
Jim and girls, Glenn and Mary--I really treasure the past year and the back and forth volley of emails and cards between us. Her humor and upbeat approach to life always shone through, right up to the last one on December 19. She was such an inspiration and will continue to be a role model for me on how to face adversity and how to live life to the fullest. My memories of growing up together are so special and mingle with our mostly written conversations of the past year. I hold close to my heart both new and old thoughts of her and am really going to miss her.
Sending my love--Trudi
Julie Hofstrand Larios
January 15, 2013
Marilyn and I were good friends in junior high and high school but lost touch when we went off to college. I'm so sorry to hear of her passing, and I send my condolences to her family.
January 15, 2013
I am lucky to knew Marilyn, she was an inspiration to my life. I will miss her.Love. Delia
January 15, 2013
You will be dearly missed in San Carlos, you were a great neighbor and friend. Terry & Darla Chunis
January 15, 2013
We were so saddened by the passing of Marilyn. She was so dedicated in everything she did. She will certainly be missed.
Rudy and Suzy Baron (San Carlos, Mexico)
Nancy Lima Coronato
January 14, 2013
So very sad to hear of Marilyn's passing. We spent lots of fun and funny times together at Willow Glen High. My thoughts are with her family at this difficult time. Rest in peace, Marilyn.
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