Marilyn "Mardi" Sill

Marilyn "Mardi" Sill

Mardi passed away peacefully on December 4, 2015, age 88, at Park Shore Retirement Community in Seattle. Her family was by her side.

Born in Seattle, Mardi lived in Australia until she was 14, where her father had moved the family to found Claude Neon Ltd, and expand it into Australia's premier signage company. She adored her parents, both University of Washington graduates, and fondly recalled her childhood in Australia, and the fun of helping her parents entertain guests in their Sydney home, and country home on weekends. At the country place, she was a proficient horseback rider and loved her horse, Trixie. Her father built a tennis court, and taught her how to play. She became an avid tennis player, and fan of the game for the rest of her life. With the outbreak of WWII, her family returned to Seattle.

Mardi was an excellent student, completing high school at age 16 with a 4.0 GPA. She was Franklin High School's 1943 Valedictorian. She pledged Delta Gamma Sorority at the University of Washington, and treasured these lifelong friendships. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the UW, and Phi Beta Kappa.

In 1948, Mardi married Thomas E. Sill (who predeceased her in 1995) and raised 4 children in Windermere. Family activities were central to her life. She loved kids and her home was a welcoming place for friends. Over the years, she skillfully nurtured a beautiful garden surrounding her home.

Mardi was passionate about education. As PTA president, she encouraged parent participation. She also taught in Head Start, and volunteered with the League of Women Voters, and other community organizations.

She loved friends and activities at the Seattle Tennis Club, serving as Board Vice President, Tennis Week Chairman, and Newsletter Editor. She also enjoyed the Sunset Club, and served as Treasurer.

After her kids were grown, Mardi returned to study Accounting at the UW, and later volunteered as Treasurer for the Seattle Art Museum's rental gallery. That experience lead to joining Safeco Insurance in 1976 as its first female management trainee. She eventually headed its Department of Management Analysts providing consulting services to both Seattle-based divisions, and branches throughout the United States.

In retirement, Mardi enjoyed traveling to Europe, Asia, and South America, playing bridge and tennis, and just relaxing with friends and family. She loved the Symphony. She also treasured a loving friendship with Gerry Prince, until his death in 2008.

Mardi is survived by four children; Eric Sill, Brian Sill, Dan Sill, and Kumuda Kali; daughters-in-law Beth Sill, Karen Sill, and Cheryl Sill, Ellen Ferguson, and grandchildren Emma Sill, Tyler Sill, Ashdon Sill, and Kadon Sill, and nieces and nephews.

Mardi's family remembers her most as a devoted mother imparting values of integrity, humility, citizenship, a great sense of humor, and kindness towards others. She often said, "Smile and the world will smile with you", and when the chips were down said, "Count your blessings". Above everything else, she was our Mom who we dearly loved, and will greatly miss.

A family reception will be held for Mardi. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to a charity of your choice. See sign Mardi's online Guestbook at www.Legacy.com.