We remember today dear Reverend Marilynn Ona Gazowsky, D.D., who lived from September 28, 1922 to November 17, 2015.
Sister Marilynn served the Lord as a pastor, choir director, and administrator since 1938. She founded Voice of Pentecost Church and Academy in 1966, which included a total of 7 choirs. She appeared on radio for 17 years, authored ten books, and preached around the world. She was the Vice President to the Inner City Ministry board of the UPC, the General Secretary of Pentecostal Association of Christian Schools. She had her B.A. in music, and also held a Doctorate of Divinity. Her KFAX radio program, "The Voice of Pentecost" always signed off with her poignant words: "I love you San Francisco." She was so prodigiously gifted and anointed!

Sister Marilynn loved music and started teaching choirs at 16 years old. She was the General Conference Choir Director for the UPC for many years. She played any instrument that was handed to her. She gave private lessons, orchestra leaders and choir directors her passion. She held on with inspiring tenacity and shining integrity, through nine decades of ministry.

She never did anything by half measures. She was always passionate in everything she did. In the street services in Union Square she would play with all her heart. At those Union Square services and also at the church on Eureka street, there were many lost souls who heard the singing and the preachingÂ… and came to know the Lord, were baptized in Jesus' Name, and received the Baptism of the Holy Ghost! She was a force to be reckoned with in the Kingdom of God and in her city. She was also honored to be included in a city mural.

She had ministries for the homeless, including feeding them, and having special church services just for them. She opened and operated a Men's Home which was dedicated for men coming out of addiction and alcoholism, and also a Ladies Home. The church hosted services in city parks, had active prison ministries, a bus ministry, ministered to SF State and City college, local hospitals, nursing homes, and so much more.

Marilynn Ona Gazowsky and Victor Gadwin Gazowsky had 4 children Pamela, Victoria, Preston, and Richard. She loved each and every one of her 13 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren. Along with her foster children, and thousands of church members, many called her mom, and their mother in the Gospel. She was truly a mother to San Francisco and to the very many souls who came under her care.

She was always a lady. Finally, she is resting in His Presence. We have a mixture of tears and smiles, just imagining the music she is enjoying now.

Friends may visit Monday, November 23, 2015, after 9am and are invited to attend Reverend Marilynn Gazowsky's Homegoing Celebration 12pm at Voice of Pentecost Church, 1970 Ocean Ave, San Francisco. Burial to follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 1000 El Camino Real, Colma.

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

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Nov. 21 to Nov. 22, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Marilynn Gazowsky

Sponsored by Duggan's Serra Mortuary - Daly City.

24 Entries

Mel Lazenby

September 7, 2022

One of the highlights of any UPC convention in California was when Sister Gazowsky shared her thoughts, whether prose, poetry, or anointed song. I will never forget the blessings she bestowed on us.

Dennis Mostyn

May 31, 2019

I walked into the Voice of Pentecost at 150 Eureka Street in San Francisco on January 14, 1973, and my life was changed forever! I now pastor in Portland, Oregon. What a great Apostolic foundation we got from her!

Glen Davidson

January 15, 2018

I so miss her! She changed my life more than any person on this planet. What a privilege to have been influenced, baptized, and pastored by this great woman of God.

George Stancliffe

September 29, 2017

I quite unexpectedly came across Marilynn's obituary today. I only knew her briefly in 6th grade (Approx. 1966 or 1967--her son Richard was one of my classmates). My teacher, Mrs. Mann, at Allen Elementary School in San Jose, dreamed up a special music project in which each student in the class would write an original song, along with original lyrics.

Marilyn gave a couple of simplified lessons on lyrics, music, and how to make sure your music fits with the lyrics, etc.

I took this assignment with uncommon seriousness. I really wanted to "invent" a song.

We were given some time to create our own song, and then, one day, we were each invited to meet with Marilyn privately in a room near the main office, and sing our song for her. She recorded our songs, and then she hand-wrote every song, with lyrics, onto home-made sheet music.

All the songs were then printed off with a ditto machine [remember those dittos with blue printing/writing on them from the 50's and 60's?]. Then we [or the teacher--I can't recall now] compiled about 50-60 books with every song in each one.

That was the singularly most memorable school project that I ever did. And probably the most meaningful. I was proud of my song, and still have the tune and lyrics memorized to this day!

I've never written another song since then, and my book of songs vanished over 30 years ago, but I appreciate and love music much better as a result.

And yes, like so many others have noted, Marilynn had great enthusiasm!

My heart goes out to Richard and the rest of her family. Marilyn was truly a great teacher who had long-lasting influence.

--George Stancliffe

patricia reilly

November 15, 2016

Sister Marilyn had a profound influenced on my life. She taught me that the Word of the Lord is more crucial than the word of any mortal being. She encouraged me to become clean and sober and to trust the Lord at all times. I just found out about her passing and am profoundly and deeply saddened. When I come to San Francisco I am attending Voice of Pentecost and her presence and warm smile and gentle demeanor will be sorely missed. My sister will be with me at that time and I regret she will never get to meet Sister Marilyn. God bless all of you. You are in my heart and in my prayers.

Otis Moore

September 15, 2016

Praise the Lord! I just read that mother Gazowsky passed away on November 17, 2015. We were privileged to had her speak at our church in Sacramento, Ca. Lighthouse Apostolic Church, Pastor Otis Moore. She was known as a woman of wisdom. I thank the Lord that we were blessed to have her speak at our church, such a renowned woman of God. She definitely leaves a legacy of her love and commitment she had for the Lord Jesus. She is now at rest with our Lord. God bless her extended family in Jesus name.

S Dingman

June 5, 2016

Sis Gazowsky was one of the great Jesus Name Pentecostal Pioneers. As a new convert she stood out to me in the UPC Ministry with Godly strength, wisdom and power. Her sermons and teachings never failed to inspire, ignoble and improve our hearts and minds toward Christ. She will be sorely missed.

Elaine Hearne

February 23, 2016

Rest in peace, Sister Marilynn. I love you, and I miss you. But I'll see you when I get to Heaven!

Elaine Hearne

February 23, 2016

Sister Marilynn was my Mother In The Gospel -- and oh, what a wonderful Mother she was!! If I went wrong, she set me right. If I went right, she encouraged me to continue. I still have her portrait on my wall, and whenever someone asks "Is that your mom?" I proudly say "In the Gospel, yes!" I miss our morning walks, Poet's Club, and singing together at the 8 AM service on Sunday. She was also my vocal coach and piano teacher. Wherever Sister Marilynn went, there was music. She's singing with the angels in Heaven, I know!

Joe Hinol

December 7, 2015

She was a saint

T. L. Craft

November 24, 2015

I was honored to minister at VOP camp meeting in the Redwoods years ago. Sister Marilyn was one the greatest leaders I have known. Brother Richard helped me write the JCM school song for which I am grateful.i am sorry I did not get to attend her great memorial service. She leaves a wonderful legacy. My prayers are with the Gazowky children and grandchildren.
We honor her memory. I was blessed to know her as a friend.

Greg Grisham

November 24, 2015

What a great Lady in so many ways! Anytime I was able to be around her, i was totally captivated by her endless energy, creative thinking and endless zest for God, People, and Life at the fullest. Indeed a rare gift to this world. Love and prayers to the family and her dear, dear friends.

Charity Ellis

November 24, 2015

I'll never forget spending time in her home, she allowed us to dress up in her gowns and hats and gloves and took our pictures feeling so glamorous. What an amazing lady! She was a shining light in this world and her light will continue to shine in the smiles of all whose lives she touched.

Mairlyn Ramirez

November 24, 2015

Sister Gazowsky served the Lord with all her heart. She was such an inspiration to the women, speaking frequently at Ladies Retreats. What an honor to hear her preach. A true warrior for the Lord. May God comfort her family and friends.

Monte Albalos

November 23, 2015

I wish I could have attended Sis. Gazowky's funeral today. I heard of her throughout my childhood. When I became a teenager and was able to travel....you guessed it...I visited VOP. I will always will remember at the Western District Youth Convention offering...she would say in a powerful voice..." San Francisco $1000.00." Thank you for giving to the Kingdom of God!

My husband Dan, my daughter Nellica and I visited Marilynn in the late 70s at her home in San Francisco. We shall always cherish these memories.

Nella Mitchell

November 23, 2015

Chris Rossetti

November 23, 2015

For the past 20 years, I've had the honor of being her: parishioner, student, admirer, house guest, and friend. As with thousands of others before me, she challenged, encouraged and loved me like very few in life do: Without motive or agenda but only with the pure love of God.

When Pastor Richard Gazowsky allowed me to begin doing a weekly Comedy Bible Study called "Laughing With God", Sister Marilynn, as she was lovingly called, was always on the front row. She always spoke her mind whenever I ministered. If she disagreed, she wasn't afraid to shout out, "I don't believe that!". When she thought I was too silly I could count on her, "Oh Brother!" heckle as well. But when I was doing well, she was the loudest and best of all my supporters.

Saturday night before she passed, I had a dream about Sis. Marilynn. In this dream I saw her running down a road. We all looked around and wondered if we should try and stop her. But we realized she was so fast and strong that none of us could catch her. She turned as she ran down a hill into a beautiful valley and smiled ever so slightly. Oh how young she looked. She will be missed, but never far from us.

November 23, 2015

My love and prayers to the family as we bid our precious Mother in the Gospel farewell... We shall meet on that beautiful shore and she'll be singing!!! Love Sis. Corlis

With Vesta Mangun & Marilyn at Jean Urshans funeral.

Mark Grisham

November 22, 2015

So many memories. My daughter Charity took her first steps in the living room of Marilyn's home. She was generous & loving. Elegant and authentic. Compassionate. Sherri & I dined with her in many memorable places. Golfed with her at Golden Gate Park. Driving her Rolls Royce to Fairmont on Nob Hill, the bell captain calling her by name. Attending her poetry club. Cooking in her kitchen with C L Dees. Walks at Merced lake. Pacifica, and Yerba Buena. Laughter and tears. Escorted her to both Nathan & Jean Urshans funerals. Visited so many places in California together...
Celebrated many of her birthdays with her. Her home was ours for years. Visited her husband Vic's grave with her. She was a wounded healer. Greatest soul winner I have known. I never will forget her making me perogues. Talking into the night. History, biography.
Bible, oh how she loved her Bible. Music, yes her love for music...
Boundless energy -and zest for life! Joyful. Tender. Kind,
I will always remember the happy times we shared.

November 22, 2015

She was the first one to give a substantial amount for our air fare as newly-appointed missionaries to the PI at the 1968 Gen Conf in Atlantic City. What a journey it became! Thank you, Sis Gazowsky, for our support!

Sharon Elia

November 22, 2015

We send our love and prayers for comfort at the loss of this courageous, faithful, dynamic woman of God. She touched our lives with her Joie de vivre. The Elia family

Robert Costa

November 22, 2015

I preached for Marilynn and her son Richard at Voice of Pentecost years ago and stayed in Marilynn's home. She was a gracious hostess and a Godly lady and will be sorely missed. A tremendous Church-planter and Pastor, she was loved by all because of her grace and compassion. To her family, particularly her children and grandchildren, I offer my deepest sympathies and prayers for comfort.

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