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Marilyn Sherry Obituary
Our beloved, Marilyn, aptly passed away during one of the greatest thunder storms to ever hit the Seattle area. Irish Catholic to the core, she was one of the sweetest people you would ever meet - unless you crossed her kids, her Church or her McKees Beach and then she was passionate, resolute, and diligent. In her last days, this Holy Names Girl, was surrounded by family in love, song, and a river of tears, especially from her O'Dea Boy and love of 70 years - Denton.
Marilyn's family were early settlers of south western Washington State in Wollochet Bay and the now abandoned lumber town, Bordeaux. Raised in St. Catherine's Parish with her late brother -Tommy Gibbons and sister - Patty Coogan during the depression, she learned a frugality that gave her the ability to pinch a penny. Marilyn coached girls' for decades to ensure equal access for her daughters to athletics. She then fought for the full integration of Title IX in CYO sports. She testified to the state for support for education of children with learning disabilities. She chaired many an auction or committee at most of the local Catholic high schools, to safeguard continued enrollment for her less than perfect children. At over 50, she decided to go to college and earned her AA from Shoreline Community College where she then worked in their library for many years.
Residents of the inner Puget Sound are forever left her legacy of clean water. When the oil magnate ARCO intended to bring a refinery into her beach and the closed inlet of the Port Susan Bay, she conceived a resistance group and organized neighbors to Save Port Susan. This mother of 6 was a squeaky wheel and lawyer's nightmare. Atlantic Richfield underestimated the lady, no more than 110 pounds soaking wet - with children in tow, and did not pay attention to the details that she did. She helped beat ARCO and the refinery, which would have been at Kayak Point State Park, is now at Cherry Point.
Her talents included creative left-overs, beer bottle art, coupon clipping, and a sassy sneakiness that would have impressed the KGB. She left her children: Pamela Morrison (Dan), Paula Dietrich (Karl), Sue Sherry, Patrick Sherry (Stephanie), Colleen Milne (David) and Nancy Baker (Jeff)- a deep faith, tenacity, huge hearts, and quirky senses of humor. She instilled upon her grandchildren: Nellie Karlberg Thompson (Reidar), Katie Sandberg Klineman (Kyle), Claire Karlberg, Angela Ward, Justine Sherry (Ruben Martins), Justin Milne, Jason Milne (Feliciti), Alin Harmon, Lauren Milne, Veronica Sherry, Moira Sherry, Rosalie Sherry, Ruth Karlberg, Grant Baker, Kevin Milne, Marco Baker and Maya Baker a joyful love of the Fourth of July and Saint Patrick's Day and knowledge that blankies and Rosaries are sacred. Her great-grandchildren: Jordyn, Thijs, Indy, Aric, Noah, Lilja, Emma, and Karlee have been given parents and grandparents who learned from Marilyn how to love ferociously, pray over them continuously, and that life has a song for every occasion.
Alzheimers was a slow and painful good-bye but in her last days, she handled dementia well. She took a bad fall which ultimately helped take her life. She firmly believed that death is followed by a new and better life so would never wear black to a funeral. You are invited to any of the Irish Catholic celebrations of Marilyn - bring your singing voice, colorful outfit, designated driver, and Kleenex.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, June 6th at Immaculate Conception Parish in Everett at 11:30. It will be preceded by Rosary at 11 am.
2501 Hoyt Ave, Everett, WA 98201
Celebration of her life will immediately follow at
Everett Yacht Club from 1-6
404 14th St, Everett, WA 98201
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Marilyn Sherry
Sponsored by The Family.
Jen
May 1, 2018
Please accept our condolences on the loss of your beloved Marilyn Margaret Gibbons Sherry. May you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. Isaiah 57:15
Stephanie Harlow
June 7, 2017
Whenever I think of Mrs. Sherry I smile as she had one of the biggest hearts I know.. Her love of life, humor and kindness will never be forgotten. Praying for you Nancy and your entire family for strength to survive the loss of her presence in your daily life. I know she is up there in Heaven smiling down at all of you as your Guardian Angel. God bless your sweet Mom.
Mike Palmer
June 6, 2017
Our condolences from all the Palmer's. It was a beautiful service today and I'm sorry I couldn't stay longer to visit with everyone. I had forgot that Bill Heric was with us in your basement when we took guitar lessons. Great memories from St Luke's and McKee's Beach. Regards,
Mike Palmer
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Pat Logan
June 6, 2017
Many years ago when our marriage was in crisis Marilyn gave me the keys to the beach house saying, "go and heal, stay as long as you need to". No questions or judging, she just loved. This summer we will celebrate our 60th anniversary. She played a huge part in saving us. I'll treasure her friendship forever.
Jeanne Mcmillen
June 6, 2017
Marilyn is a wonderful woman and mother. She was an inspiration to all who knew her. We loved her greatly and she will be missed. Till we meet again Marilyn
Marilyn's hummingbird
Mike and Nga Manning
June 6, 2017
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Marilyn always treated us with kindness and made us feel welcomed with her warm heart and great level of hospitality. Every time we think about our good times at the beach, we'll be thinking about her.
Mary (Matous) Conway
June 6, 2017
To the Sherry family,
I picture your mother's smile and I have wonderful memories of running in and out of you house on Palatine, always welcome. I have a great picture of your mom with my mom and the other "St.Luke Ladies" in the our hot tub. Quite a crew! What a fun street it was to grow up on.
I am sorry for your loss and wish I could make the service today. Sending love to you all.
Mary
Debbie Dwyer Foley
June 4, 2017
What a wonderful woman, one whose legacy will live on through her incredible children and her impact on our community. We are better for having had her amongst us.
Gail (Pendrey) Greager
June 4, 2017
I spent many days and nights at the Sherry home during high school. My memories of Mrs. Sherry are ones of kindness, cheerfulness and warmth. She was lovely to me. Her children are truly a reflection of their mother.
Love, Gail
Lexie (Palmer) McFeron
May 26, 2017
Thinking of all of you during this difficult time, but I have wonderful memories of spending time with your family, especially Pam & Paula. Your mom made everyone feel so welcome. My condolences and prayers for the Sherry family.
Clif & Charlotte Cope
May 17, 2017
Our deepest sympathy to you and family.
May God give you the peace that you seek.
Caroline Loudenback
May 17, 2017
About 4 years ago I had the opportunity to spend a day at Nancy's family's beach home and meet her parents. One of my favorite days ever! Instantly felt welcomed and at home after arriving and it was clear where Nancy gets her specialness(probably not a word but should be) Both Marilyn and Denton are characters and clearly adored Nancy and her family. I was glad I was able to capture a few photos during my visit and smile whenever I think back to that special day! Rest in peace Marilyn and love to all of those who are missing her now.
Chuck Tobin
May 16, 2017
50 years ago Gail and I (less than 1 year married) moved next door to the Sherrys on Palatine Ave. From the outset, Marilyn and Denton were the most wonderful neighbors we could have hoped for. After all of these years gone by, it's hard to pick out specific instances, but I'll always picture Marilyn as a positive, cheerful, caring person. I can still hear her laugh!
When Gail became ill she wanted her struggles to remain within our household. However, as her illness progressed, often she needed to reach out to others. And, primarily, it was to Marilyn - not to her mother or sisters - to whom she turned and from whom she received so much help and comfort. Marilyn was always there for her.
And, in the 2 years after Gail had passed away and before Barbara and I were married, and I was a single dad raising 2 little girls, it was very often that I turned to Marilyn for help and advice. She became almost a surrogate mother to them.
So, while I can't remember many specifics, I will always treasure with gratitude this overall picture that I carry of a wonderful caring woman now resting in God's peace.
Penny Buse
May 15, 2017
To everyone who loves Port Susan Bay:
Please light a candle in memory of Marilyn who literally saved Port Susan Bay. Throughout the 1960's Marilyn and a small group of neighbors led the fight to eliminate the planned Atlantic Richfield Oil Refinery at Kayak Point. Literally all the politicians in Snohomish County were in favor of the refinery. She stood her ground and the refinery went to Cherry Point. To my mind Marilyn is a real American Hero.
Marilyn stood up and the refinery went to Cherry Point.
May God Bless Marilyn Sherry
Teresa Jones
May 14, 2017
My dearest friend Nancy was blessed with one of the most amazing mothers I have ever met. In Marilyn's presence I always felt welcome and part of the family. Her sense of humor, laugh, hugs, and good nature was a blessing to experience. Marilyn had a way of making everyone in the room feel important. Witnessing the love shared between her and Denton is something I will always treasure. They truly enjoyed one another's company and really made me and my family feel at home at their house. It has been an honor to know Marilyn and share some wonderful memories with her family. She has made a mark on the world and will be truly missed.
Joe Meinhardt
May 14, 2017
I clearly remember being at your house (the one near St Benedict's) and hearing your mom telling the story of the ink pen and your dad's trip to Japan. Passion was with her always. God Bless her and all of her family.
May 13, 2017
I will always remember the warm and welcoming home of the Sherry family when I visited Pam and Paula while in gradeschool. It was a house of love and I will always remember Marilyn's smile admit any of the chaos the kids created. Rest in peace.
Christine Lucier
Gail Gibbons Pace
May 13, 2017
As Marilyn's younger cousin her spirit and spunk became a part of cherished memories. She had a special Irish lilt about her especially when courting with her soulmate, Denton..an O'Dea boy I believe. And that spirit flourished. During the nine years that my mother was in a care facility in North Seattle and I lived in Arizona, Marilyn visited her each week to make sure she was being well cared for. The whole Sherry clan invited me into their home when I came to town to spend time with my mom. Marilyn's beautiful spirit lives on, lives on in her family. Hugs to you all. And Marilyn, here's to you until we meet again.
Shala & John Dennison
May 13, 2017
I've known Marilyn since I was about 5 years old. My first memories of her are walking down to the beach at McKees and seeing her and my mom talking and giggling like school girls - John
When Emma was born I spent the spring and early summer on maternity leave at the beach. It was quiet and a bit lonely but Marilyn was there and I would spend time with her laughing and talking about my worries as a first time mom. She was wonderful company and a very special friend. And she made the best blackberry jam in the world!! - Shala
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Sherry family. Marilyn and Denton have always been one of the best parts of McKees Beach. We'll miss Marilyn dearly but know that she will be with us forever. We will always think of her every time we watch the humming birds feed, a McKees Beach sunset, and at every Fourth of July celebration.
Kathy Bellin
May 12, 2017
Pam, Paula and your entire family,
I have been thinking of all of you since I heard of your mom's passing. Your mom always had a special spot in my heart. After all she was the best volleyball coach ever and loved us kids!! My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Hugs to all of you, Kathy (Heitman) Bellin
Megan McHugh Boly
May 12, 2017
Meeting Nancy at Gonzaga was one of the best things that ever happened - through her I was immediately welcomed in to the Sherry family and felt like I had a second set of parents in the dynamic duo of Marilyn and Denton. Always present with their sharp wit, smiles and sage advice. I will be forever grateful to have known Marilyn, I am so sorry for the Sherry family's loss, she was truly one of a kind. Much love to you all! <3
Heidi Carlson
May 12, 2017
I still remember the look of indignation on Mrs. Sherry's face when I told her I had never had a 'Hot Buttered'(no rum for me because I was 15). It was one of those snowy nights in the mid 80's and Nancy and I had come in from sledding down the big hill. Out came a container from the freezer and a scoop was plopped into a mug and then filled with hot water. Mrs. Sherry's look of glee when I took my 1st sip will be imprinted in my memory forever - it was perfect! She even told me how to make the mix but I wasn't paying enough attention to remember how to recreate it. I would be honored to have the 'official' recipe because my efforts to replicate the mix and those little yellow containers of hot buttered rum mix are nowhere in the same league as Mrs. Sherry's!
Now that I am a mom, I try to emulate people like Marilyn who made me feel special and loved. She is a role model that I base my life's mission around. Love to the entire Sherry clan. A special thank you to Denton for letting me drive your Mercedes full of teenage girls up to McKee's beach. It was a very old, but very GRAND (i.e. bit) car. Your thinking must have been that if I crashed it, we would probably be ok (pre air-bags). I felt like a $1,000,000 at the wheel being trusted with such a treasure. :)
Charles and Anne Shigley
May 12, 2017
One of the improvements Snohomish County is considering for its park at Kayak Point is a community center overlooking Port Susan Bay. The county should name it the Marilyn Margaret Gibbons Sherry Community Center because there would be no park at Kayak Point if Marilyn Sherry had not persuaded our community to stand up and oppose construction of an oil refinery here. The idea of oil tankers in the lower sound struck Marilyn as a reckless act of vandalism, and the oil company's shenanigans in the political process offended her.
Marilyn said No. And she convinced us all that we could be the equal of the oil company in the eyes of the law if we banded together as a community. Marilyn we miss you. You're truly God's finest.
Charles and Anne Shigley, Kayak Point
Patty Moriarty
May 12, 2017
Colleen, all of the comments about your Mom remind me of you. Part of her legacy lives with you and a little bit of you is off with her to a better place.
I really wish I'd had the opportunity to know her, but am very fortunate to know you as a friend.
Thinking of all of you.
Lauren Milne
May 12, 2017
My amazing, beautiful, stubborn, prideful, loving, funny grandmother.... what more is there to say?
Lots. I have a lot more to say. I'm still bursting in to tears everytime I think about her.
I lost my other grandmother, Marie Milne 7 months ago. Both of them suffered with memory loss and body pains. They would sit together and share snarky remarks and cute comments even in their last days. I like to think they are cracking cheap beers together and doing the same in Heaven.
Tracey Shigley
May 12, 2017
"Mrs. Sherry" (I never could get to calling her Marilyn), will always have a special place in the heart of the younger Shigley family. I will never forget her offer to make a baby blanket for our first born; Bailey. She wanted to make sure it was just the right color/fabric that I would want. She must have known how obsessive a first time mother could be. We met to pick out the fabric so that it would match my color scheme. It turned out beautifully and Bailey still has it today; although it's pretty beat up. 3 1/2 years later we were expecting our son. This time there was no consultation. Mrs. Sherry made another beautiful blanket for Ryan that was absolutely perfect. How did she know I didn't have the same time/energy or obsession with color schemes? Oh, yes... she had more than one child herself! I will miss seeing her smiling face at McKees and the offer of a cold beer on our arrival. She will always hold a special place in our hearts and her blankets will be with us forever. We love you Mrs. Sherry.
Jenny (Nobriga) Kakoschke
May 12, 2017
What sweet memories I have in the Sherry home from my St. Luke's years! "Mrs. Sherry," as she will always be known to me, was always so cheerful and kind when I came to play with Nancy and always made me feel right at home. I've been learning a pretty Irish song this month with my kids (Wild Mountain Thyme/Will Ye Go, Lassie, go) and I've been thinking of this wonderful little Irish lady while I sing it. I adore how much she loved being Irish Catholic! Nancy, thank you for being so open in the past few years, and so eloquent in your writing, as you truly honored your parents with your honesty and wit through this journey. Your mom was an incredible lady and I know she was deeply loved, deeply cared for and will be deeply missed. Mr. Sherry, and the rest of the family...you are heavy on my heart this week. I am praying for you all to know the kind of peace and comfort that only God can provide. Sending hugs and much love to you all!
Christy Tobin-Presser
May 11, 2017
My family lived next door to the Sherrys for the first 7 years of my life. During that time, my own beloved mother was terminally ill, dying when I was five. During my mother's illness and after, Marilyn stepped in and did those things that my mom wanted to but could not. Marilyn walked me to the bus stop on my first day of kindergarten and kept her arm around my shoulder so I felt safe. Marilyn's youngest daughter Nancy and I were like sisters and I felt completely at home at the Sherrys' house, thanks to Marilyn's unhesitating generosity and willingness to extend her love to her heartbroken little neighbor. Marilyn made me feel like one of her own children. One of my favorite pictures from my wedding is me walking down the aisle and Marilyn in the background with happy tears streaming down her face. I never think of Marilyn without love, and an overwhelming since of gratitude. My heart aches for Marilyn's dear family but I know she is smiling down on all of us from her place in heaven
Jimmy Shea
May 11, 2017
She'll always be Nancy's Mom to me - never a slither of doubt that MRS. Sherry had your back and could lift you up whenever needed - just always felt loved and accepted and safe around her...and God was she funny as all get up. Hugs and Love to all the Sherry family...and Denton my friend - what a lucky man you are to have shared this life w/your Beautiful Wife
Therese Kuhn
May 11, 2017
What wonderful memories I have of Mrs. Sherry! First of all, I always felt so at ease and welcome in her home when I came over to play with Nancy. She was so cheerful and happy. Nancy and I would play up in her room for hours, then I would be welcome for dinner and then on occasion would spend the night. If it was a Saturday night, that meant of course that I would go to church with the Sherry's the next morning. And Mrs. Sherry would want me to borrow Nancy's sister's dressy church clothes because I was taller than Nancy and couldn't fit into her petite clothes. I felt like part of the family. I loved going to Warm Beach cabin with them, I can clearly remember playing cards at night with the Sherry family and Mrs. Sherry tucking Nancy and me into bed.
Then as a gracious hostess, offered to have the coed(gasp) 8th grade party at their house. It was so much fun! I remember the girls using Mr. And Mrs. Sherry's bedroom as a changing room after swimming in their pool. I saw some small squishy things on the nightstand and thought they looked liked snacks. Nancy said they were ear plugs for her mom because her dad snored. The funny thing is, now I use them because my husband snores!
She will always bring a smile to my face when I think of her. She was a gift to her parish, her family and to all that knew her.
George Zeigen
May 11, 2017
I loved your mom for the true beauty she possessed on the inside. Truly a heart filled with passion for all of you, and undying love for the LORD. She was in my words, a "Real Warrior". She is safe, warm, and of no pain, being in Heaven. God loves her so much!
Carol Jensen
May 11, 2017
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. So glad to read this great obituary and tribute to Marilyn. Wish we had known her when we were living at Kayak!
Your condo neighbor, Carol Jensen and Ron Young
Mary (Dennison) Suhadolnik
May 11, 2017
Oh, how I adored and feared this woman. Sharing summers with the Sherry clan at McKee's Beach brought endless opportunities to bask in the light Marilyn radiated. She was one of my many beach moms, and certainly my favorite of the bunch! She loved her family fiercely, and I admired that in her. When I became an adult I saw more of her quirky, goofy sense of humor. What a gem of a human being. Sending hugs to the Sherry clan. My prayers are with you all.
Glen and Diane Sandvick
May 11, 2017
We were blessed to be Marilyn's friend and neighbor during the final 16 years of her life here on earth. Such a lovely and caring soul.
Les & Joanne Johnson
May 11, 2017
A friend and neighbor, and she will be remembered as "The Lady with a Smile."
Fritzie Gibbons
May 11, 2017
What a beautiful legacy she has left us all and what a little firecracker. She will be missed.
May 11, 2017
Our prayers and love go out to you all. We were very fortunate to know Marilyn and have her in our lives. She will be greatly missed. Love, Scott, Lynda, Hailie and Cody
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