Jill Marilyn Wallin

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Jill M. Wallin who died peacefully at her
Mendocino California home on April 5, 2025, surrounded by close friends and her loyal caregivers.
Jill was born on August 1, 1935, in Richmond England, part of Greater London. She always
displayed a remarkable curiosity and passion for learning, giving her a strong foundation for her very
interesting life.
Jill attended the Chelsea College of Arts in London, providing her with the tools to develop her
sense of creative artwork not only in sketching and painting but also later in her life as she became
a masterful underwater and landscape photographer.
In 1963 Jill made the very bold decision to travel to the United States of America to see what
opportunities lay "on the other side of the pond". She landed in San Francisco, California, and never
looked back. One of her early jobs was working for Time Magazine, where they loved having her
answer the phone because of her warm British accent, which she never lost.
In March of 1965, Jill married Karl I. Wallin who was an immigrant from Sweden. Later, both Karl and
Jill became dual citizens of the United States and their respective England and Sweden countries of
origin.
In 1970 Karl and Jill formed Wallin Photography and in 1975 they expanded by opening the Wallin
Dive Center in Redwood City. Their dive business evolved to become a premier dive store. Jill used
her passion to encourage women and families to learn to SCUBA diving which, at the time, was
almost exclusively a male sport. The dive store became more than just a place to fill your air tanks.
They not only provided classes and water training but showcased the latest dive equipment and led
diving adventures to premier diving locations around the world with an emphasis on underwater
photography.
In 1995 they sold the dive store and began the arduous task of finding a place to "retire".
They finally found their new home in Mendocino, California on a hill overlooking the ocean but they
never did retire. They loved supporting the Mendocino Arts Center, either by volunteering at the
center or hosting an event showcasing their magnificent fine art prints featuring the local natural
area. Even after Karl died, Jill continued to print and frame their photographic artwork. Jill also
premiered her own fine art photography at an Art Center event.
Jill will be missed greatly in the community and by her close friends. She will always be
remembered as the "quintessential English lady"
Jill requested that no service was needed. We would like to thank the Adventist Hospital Hospice
Care Team of Ft. Bragg, CA led by Dr. Robin Serrahn and hospice nurses Hailey and Andrea for their
compassionate professional care.
We also want to thank Andersson Care of Ft. Bragg for providing the most perfect home healthcare
allowing Jill to fulfill her wish to die at home.