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BORN
1955
DIED
2017
Marilyn Gans Obituary
February 14, 1955 - March 7, 2017
Capitola
Marilyn Joan Gans was born on Valentine's Day, 1955 in Alameda, California to Dexter and Mary Gans. She passed away peacefully and surrounded by love at the age of 62 on March 7th, 2017 in her home in Capitola, California. She lived a rich life full of music, loving family & friends, and adventures. Marilyn attended school in Antioch, studied biology at UC Santa Cruz, and music at University of the Pacific as well as Cabrillo College before settling down in Capitola. Marilyn was a kind and compassionate person whose gifts of love and music touched everyone she knew. She had a career as a bus driver for people with disabilities as well as young high school mothers and their children before becoming a long-time employee with PG&E. On any given day, you would find Marilyn composing music at home, sitting on her favorite bench overlooking the ocean, or taking pictures of sunsets. Marilyn created a library of special recordings for all of her friends and family, each for a special time of year or in celebration of an artist or person. In the last weeks of her life you would often hear her say, "I am the luckiest person you will ever meet." Marilyn is survived by: mother Mary Gerdes; brothers Clint (wife Jessica) and John Gans; sister Susan Pinkston; and nephews Jake Pinkston and Jared Gans. A private celebration will be held in her honor. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Cabrillo College Foundation at the following website: www.cabrillo.edu/associations/foundation/
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Memories and Condolences
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Sponsored by santacruzsentinel.com.
5 Entries
Jake Pinkston
November 1, 2019
This was my aunt. But to me she was more than just a family member. She was a lighthouse in dark times. She explained to me that love through compassion and art were the way out of anger and sadness. She took me in when I didn't know whether i wanted to live or die. Jamming with her and playing our favorite pieces of music meant more to me than anything even if i didn't realize it then. I always realized how special she was even when some people didn't. She will forever live in her music, lyrics, my heart and my music. She helped me accept my mental illness and was always there to tell me i was going to make it through. I was so caught up in my own mental health issues I was not able to see her right before she past. I will never forgive myself but I hope that some day we can hug and maybe I can hear her beautiful piano playing in a smoky, dimly lit room. I will play your music till the day i die.
Gary and Laura Mullen
January 13, 2018
A Beautiful Spirit loved and missed. Our sincere sympathies to all who knew and loved Marilyn. Treasure the memories. Celebrate a life well-lived.
Kathleen Lunde
April 3, 2017
Beautiful, just like she was. Miss her so much.
Judy
April 1, 2017
Marylyn was such a wonderful neighbor. She was always so positive, always had something good to say. You will be missed Marilyn. Thank you for all the encouraging conversations we had. You were one of a kind.
March 31, 2017
So sorry to learn the loss of your sister.Thinking of you and your family . With our deepest Sympathy.
Love Bob and Donna Brewer
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