Marilyn Joy LaFramboise Batali

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.

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

Published by The Seattle Times from May 6 to May 10, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Marilyn Batali

Sponsored by The Family.

18 Entries

Elizabeth

November 29, 2020

I 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.

Jeff McClelland

June 26, 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.

Larry Pesce

May 30, 2020

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.

Diane Pizzoli

May 21, 2020

I was so sad to hear of Marilyns death... a really lovely person has left us but heaven is a better place

Ann Hardy

May 13, 2020

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 her close to my heart. She will be missed.

Ann Hardy SAM class of 2011

Kari Rankins

May 13, 2020

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

These two rock!

Dave and Kim Berto

May 11, 2020

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.

Vivian Beauchaine

May 11, 2020

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

May 10, 2020

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

Hi Armandino, Jeff and I thinking of you and your family during this time. We are great fans and admirers of Marilyn and are sending you our love,
Rebecca and Jeff Lyman

Darrell Poole

May 10, 2020

Dino, words cannot express my sorrow of Marilyn's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Jude and I always treasured yours and Marilyn's memories and friendship.

tom barte

May 10, 2020

Our deepests condolences to the Batali family. Marilyn was indeed a lovely person. I enjoyed many conversations with her and kept her in my prayers. She will be missed.

Richard Sclafani

May 10, 2020

My deepest condolences to Armandino and all the Batali family. Such a loss. Rest in peace, dear Marilyn.

Tracy McHugh

May 8, 2020

Dear, dear Armando and family,

Sending our love to all of you, and sharing your sadness. We were so privileged to count Marilyn a friend- her curiosity and intelligence would always light up the room.

You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Tracy and Mick McHugh

Lauren Hagan

May 8, 2020

I have such fond memories of spending time with Marilyn and her wonderful family in Madrid, and visiting her in London. She made me feel like a part of the family and her warmth, wit and kind heart were always appreciated.

Koloud 'Kay' Tarapolsi

May 7, 2020

I'm going to miss my beautiful, feisty, opinionated, hilarious, generous, passionate, and loving friend.

I've never met anyone with such fervor for food & her Italian roots insisted that every meal come with a drink, even finding one for lunch, in a remote mountain village pit stop in Morocco that I can't even point to on a map.

She & I may have disagreed on what made a fine meal, but we never shared one without sharing laughter. I am so going to miss her instant smile on docent days at SAM.

Andrea Smith-Clarke

May 7, 2020

Marilyn and I were going to be roommates on a SAM docent trip to Dallas/Ft. Worth this Spring. I was looking forward to getting better acquainted with her - now so sad that we both missed the opportunity - Andrea S-C

Marta

May 7, 2020

Marilyn will continue to make people happy and energized, despite this sadness, just thinking about her brings smiles and heart warmth. I send my deep condolences to her vibrant and wonderful family, for this profound loss. Her joyful legacy will endure forever with our gratitude for the fortunate opportunity to have met Marilyn and spend precious times shared with such a generous and magical woman!

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