Photo courtesy of CLOSED-Harvey Family Funeral Home
Seattle, Washington
May 29, 1937 – May 6, 2020 (Age 82)
On May 6, 2020, Marilyn Joy LaFramboise Batali, loving wife and mother of 3 children, passed away peacefully at home in Seattle, overlooking the Puget Sound, at the age of 82. Marilyn was born in Yakima, WA on May 29, 1937 to Leon and Mary LaFramboise. She graduated high school from St. Joseph’s in Yakima, got her nursing degree from Sacred Heart in Spokane and her NP from UCLA. During her nursing career, Marilyn was in the Virginia Mason operating room assisting with open heart surgeries. She later worked for Planned Parenthood. She married her high school sweetheart Armandino Batali on December 26, 1959. They raised 3 children and travelled the world together, spending time in Yakima, Seattle, Madrid and London, (at both foreign posts she held the job as President of the American Woman’s Clubs) before retiring in Seattle, 17 years later. Their version of retirement was to open a shop in Pioneer Square called Salumi, the legendary salami production operation and luncheonette.
Marilyn was fiercely independent, a rabble rouser, infinitely curious, always involved and passionate about art, music, culture and connecting with people. She became a docent at the Seattle Art Museum in 1998. She won the Dorothy Malone award for her service and dedication to SAM in 2009 and more recently became a Docent Laureate. She loved her museum work and her group of like minded peers. She thrived on learning and took every opportunity to deepen her knowledge of art so that she could share it through school tours, helping students develop stronger connections to art. She partnered in piloting the STEAM program at SAM, connecting the arts and the sciences in her signature way.
She is survived by her husband, Armandino, her 3 children, their spouses and 6 grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Cherie, brothers, Richard, Jim and Patrick and an entire family of passionate like-minded lovers of life. She was fulfilled being involved in her kids and grandkids lives- she called them her legacies. She will continue to live through them in their displays of confidence, character and most importantly, love.
Donations, in lieu of flowers, can be made to Docent Education, Seattle Art Museum.
Read MoreI am so fortunate to have spent time talking, laughing and learning with Marilyn at SAM. Marilyn’s spirit braided itself into my life. She was a true treasure and gift to us all. I’m sorry for what must be a vast chasm of loss within her family. My future is a little dim knowing it won’t include a moment of conversation with Marilyn ever again.
Elizabeth
November 29, 2020
Dino,
I have just learned about Marilyn and want you to know I care and share your sorrow. I have many fond memories of the times we spent together, albeit many years ago.
Jeff McClelland
June 26, 2020 | Friend
We are so sorry to hear. One of our favorite memories is of making gnocchi with Marilyn and Angelo Merlinos in the Salumi front window.
Larry Pesce
May 30, 2020 | Friend
I was so sad to hear of Marilyns death... a really lovely person has left us but heaven is a better place
Diane Pizzoli
May 21, 2020 | Madrid Spain | Friend
I had the incredible opportunity to have your mother as my touring partner at SAM 2 years ago. Of course at that time I had no idea that that would be my last, which makes that time spent with her even more precious. Her knowledge, wisdom, encouragement, flexibility and above all enthusiasm is something I will never forget. I know every child that had the pleasure of enjoying one of her tours, came away excited about art. She was truly one of a kind and I hold her and what I learned from...
Ann Hardy
May 13, 2020 | Issaquah, WA
Dino, Eddie and I are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We have great memories of meeting Marilyn in London and the spectacular meal prepared by Mario. Marilyn gave us happiness during our conversations, and we loved her humor and fiestyness. She definitely left an impression on us.....hugs to you all.
Eddie & Kari Rankins
Oswego, Illinois
Kari Rankins
May 13, 2020 | Oswego, IL
These two rock!
We will never forget the good times we spent with you and Marilyn, Armo! Marilyn's insatiable curiosity, interest in others, indomitable spirit and, of course, that wicked sense of humor will all be with us the rest of our lives! We have a few photos to share, including our trip to the Amerind Museum in Dragoon when you visited us in AZ and we picnicked in the rocks. Keeping you close in our hearts and minds in the days ahead.
Dave and Kim Berto
May 11, 2020 | Gig Harbor, WA
Dina and family: The news of Marilyn's passing was a shock. Marilyn was an inspiration to me ever since meeting the Batali family in Madrid. You were all a joy to have as friends and I am sure I can speak for Bill as well. Wish we could have broken bread with you more often but life takes us in strange directions. Enjoyed visiting you at Salumi. Marilyn will be treasured in our memories
Vivian Beauchaine
Vivian Beauchaine
May 11, 2020 | Puyallup, WA
Dear Armandino:
Jeff and I are thinking of you and your family during this time. We were always great admirers of Marilyn, and are sending you all our love at this time. Jeff and Rebecca Lyman
May 10, 2020
