Search by Name

Search by Name

Marla Eddrief Obituary


June 6, 1961-June 1, 2007

'Some people come into our lives and quickly go, Others stay in our hearts and we are never the same.'

It is with great sorrow that parents of Marla (Shaffer) Eddrief announce her sudden passing on June 1, 2007. Marla was such a joy to her family that no words can express the deep void that is left in our lives.

Marla was born in Richland, Washington, and completed high school there; her baccalaureate degree at Washington State University; and her Master's in Social Work from Western Washington University. Her last employment was for the State of Washington.

Marla met the love of her life, Edward Eddrief in July 2005 and the were married February 4, 2006. When Edward's job required a move to Montreal, Canada, Marla gave up her family-filled life and took on the challenge of a new country; quickly developing many new friends. Marla and her stepson, Jason took on the task of learning French. Jewelry making became a passion and her jewelry was featured on a Web site.

Marla was an ardent bicyclist and triathlon competitor; always vigilant regarding fitness and health. Her zest for life was contagious. Friends knew her to be generous, compassionate, a skillful listener and never judgmental.

Besides Edward and Jason, family includes her mother, Chris; stepfather, Terry Rogerson; father, Bill Shaffer, stepmother, Jeanine, brother and sister-in-law, Bill Shaffer and Vicki Gravenslund; sister and brother-in-law, Connie and Bruce Isley; nephews, Neil, Steven, Michael and Joseph; many aunts and uncles; numerous cousins; seven grand nieces and nephews who lovingly called her 'La-La.'

Memorial services for Marla will be at Calvary Chapel, Fourth and Vancouver on June 23 at 1:00 p.m. Reception to follow

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Tri-City Herald from Jun. 16 to Jun. 17, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Marla Eddrief

Not sure what to say?





Cheryl (McKinnon) Conway

June 30, 2007

Marla and I were great friends for going on 4 decades. Growing up together, her parents were often like my own, teaching me social graces, etc. I have written and dedicate the following poem to Marla, her family, friends, and all who loved her.
"FOR MARLA"
By the grace of God go I, left to carry on and say good-bye.
Lord, save the tears that I cry and water your flowers in the sky.
Send the blooms to my best friend.
Hold her tight in Your loving arms.
Let her fly with golden wings. I'll see her smiling nightly in my dreams.
I'll miss you Marla, and until the day we both shall fly...
by the grace of God go I.

Brian Mead

June 23, 2007

Marla and I were good friends in the early 80's while we were both apprentice steamfitters. I lost touch with her after I turned out, then discovered we attended the same church (Calvary Chapel) a few years ago. She will be missed, and Heaven is a brighter place because of her.

Connie Drake

June 23, 2007

I can only imagine the number of lives Marla touched. I know from the time I met her at work at Sunderland to her work at Home and Community Services, she always had a smile and a genuine heart for those she worked beside as well as the clients she worked with. My heart is genuinely touched by her love for Jesus and I know that many a treasure is hers in heaven.

Marla's Birthday at Perry with Cheryl and Bethe

June 23, 2007

Eric Conzelmann

June 21, 2007

I would like to express my deepest sympathies in your time of sorrow. Marla will forever be in my heart.

George and Regena Shell

June 20, 2007

I I am so very sorry for your loss, Edward and Jason and Chris and Bill.

My fondest memory of Marla is when she saw me working in my front yard and stopped in her car to show me her engagement ring. She always had a beautiful smile but on that day it was especially radiant. She held out her left hand and we hugged and jumped up and down and cried like two teenage girls. Although I knew Marla for only a short time, it was obvious that she had a special "joie de vivre" that she shared with all.

In your time of grief and sorrow, please know that we are thinking of you and praying that God will send you comfort in your time of need.

Kerry Shatell

June 20, 2007

It’s with sincere sadness that I write this note. I had the fortunate opportunity of having Marla in my life for a period of about 6 years during the 1980’s. Marla was always such an up-beat person with a robust zeal for life. She always had a keen desire to learn and experience new things their fullest extent. She was literally one of the “funnest” people I’ve ever known and she always had a way of finding the humor in any circumstance. We had a wonderful time together and some of my life’s most memorable events were with her. Family and childhood friends were always very important to her and she loved them dearly. I’m sure she will continue to be with them in spirit from her new home in heaven. My deepest sympathy’s to her new husband (Edward), and immediate family (Bill, Chris, Bill Jr, and Connie).

Sally O'Neal Coates

June 19, 2007

I had the good fortune to know Marla in high school and then to encounter her again a few years ago when we were riding with the same bicycling group. Marla was such a strong rider, but she would hang back and visit with me and make the rides so much more enjoyable. We found we had a lot in common after those intervening decades, and I valued our friendship immensely. I know that many members of our biking group are hurting right now to think that such a bright light has been extinguished so suddenly. I know that Charlie, Wade, Doug, and I miss her and send our deepest sympathies to her family.

Lisa Baird (Larsen)

June 18, 2007

Marla and I were friends from junior high and high school. She was such a delightful person to be with! She loved Jesus, and is safe now in His arms. Time only has meaning for those left behind; may God give peace, comfort and strength to those of us who grieve and miss Marla.

Kathy Coy

June 18, 2007

I can remember walking on the Beach at Ocean Shores with Marla & Connie and talking about the song, "I can only Imagine". We talked about loving that song, that it made it to the top of the charts & talked about how awesome heaven must be. Now I can only imagine that heaven is a more vibrant energetic place with Marla (Jannie) there. She is making everyone smile. I already miss her... thinking of her expressive manner, her giggle, her caring heart and her total presence when listening to me or asking advise. Jannie was a special loving, caring creative person. She, as a student with such couriosity and desire for learning, must be right at the Lords feet intently listening! And He is loving caring for her.I can only imagine. With joy & sadness I look forward to celebrating her life with all the family! Marla will be deeply missed. Love Cousin Kathy

Pattie Andring

June 18, 2007

Marla: Your time here was much too short. You will be missed by many & remembered by even more. I pray for your friends & family who will forever long for your presence.

Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results

Make a Donation
in Marla Eddrief's name

Memorial Events
for Marla Eddrief

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Marla's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Marla Eddrief's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more