Marilyn Hoelsken

1941 - 2022

Marilyn Hoelsken
January 21, 1941 - May 21, 2022
Marilyn Lee Hoelsken was born in Burlingame, CA to Gil and Leoma Bevilockway. She graduated from Burlingame High School in 1958. Marilyn was always athletic and loved the outdoors; competing in golf, tennis, swimming/diving and cheerleading. Following graduation, Marilyn attended San Jose State where she was selected the Sweetheart of Sigma Kai Fraternity. The next year, at San Francisco State, she was crowned Homecoming Queen.
Always seeking fun and adventure, Marilyn joined United Airlines as a stewardess and was selected for an ad promoting the airline. The following year, Marilyn worked at Tahoe skiing the slopes of Squaw Valley then moved to Hawaii to work and enjoy the sun and beautiful beaches of Waikiki.
Marilyn returned to the Bay Area in 1962 to study modeling in San Francisco. In January of 1963, she met her devoted husband, Bill Hoelsken while he was attending law school. Marilyn was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen and within a month they were engaged; eloping in August of that year.
Marilyn's modeling career took off in San Francisco as she became the feature model in a multi-page ad in the SF Chronicle for the opening of the new Hilton. She was then selected as the National Wine Queen by the Wine Institute, promoting the California wine industry. In 1964, Marilyn and Bill moved to Ventura County where Marilyn continued to model while Bill worked as an attorney. Two years later, they packed up their Saint Bernard and headed out on an adventure to Oahu. Marilyn taught modeling, was the lead model for Tori Richard's Hawaiian clothing and Koret of California clothing. Soon thereafter she was selected as "The Meadow Gold Girl". Her wholesome appearance was featured on billboards across the islands for the milk company. Marilyn was selected to promote the opening of the Sheraton Hotel on Maui and graced the cover of a Hawaii tourism brochure that was used for years.
After two years in paradise, Marilyn and Bill returned to California and settled in Danville for what was to be the greatest adventure of their lives: having children. She had a new overwhelming purpose in her life: her unconditional love for her children. They were blessed with the birth of Heather in 1969, Heidi in 1970 and Jeff in 1972.
They were active in all of the children's school and sports activities. They bought a home in Tahoe, skied in the winters and Marilyn spent summers with the children swimming, boating and playing tennis. Marilyn loved being with her children, supported them in all they did and was so proud of their achievements.
Along with life-long friends, Marilyn became a founding member of the Danville Children's Guild. As young girls, Heather and Heidi joined their mom in fund raising modeling shows and later, with their friends, revitalized the Guild to carry on its' fund raising for disadvantaged children in Contra Costa County.
All too fast her children grew up. Heather married Dave Ninekirk and blessed them with three wonderful grandsons: Zack (20), Jeff (16) and Jake (12). Heidi married Drew Smutny and blessed them with three more grandchildren: Addie (19), Masie (17) and Cooper (10). Marilyn could not have been happier. She widened the scope of her unconditional love and embraced her new sons-in-law and six grandchildren. Marilyn became known as "Tutu", Hawaiian for grandmother. Through the years, she was happiest vacationing on Oahu and Maui and in Lake Tahoe with her whole family. She was her family's best cheerleader.
For fun, Marilyn returned to golf. She developed friendships with a wonderful group of golf buddies with whom she had fun playing golf, celebrating birthdays, playing poker and spending time together in Tahoe.
Marilyn was always at peace. She had an abiding faith in God, putting her trust in the Lord to guide her in life; confident that the Lord would provide. Marilyn received a plaque from Community Presbyterian Church in Danville for 40 years of service.
Marilyn continued to seek out fun in life, living in and cherishing every moment. One could often find her barefoot on the beach with her grandchildren, riding a sea doo on Lake Tahoe, playing card games or golfing in a cowboy hat at Blackhawk Country Club. She was exciting and easy; beautiful to the end. Marilyn taught her family how to live life to the fullest, how to cherish every moment, and love unconditionally without judgement.
A few years ago, Marilyn was attacked by a debilitating, progressive, incurable neurological disease. Her family cared for Marilyn at home until assisted living and hospice became necessary. On May, 21, 2022, Marilyn peacefully passed away with her entire family by her side; into the outstretched arms of our Lord.
Heather, Heidi and Jeff lost their loving mom, Dave and Drew lost their devoted mother-in-law and Zack, Addie, Masie, Jeff, Jake and Cooper lost their loving Tutu. Her golf buddies lost their cheerful, fun-loving friend. Bill lost the love of his life. She will forever live in our hearts.
Our family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers at Magnolia Gardens of Danville for their dedicated care, along with the nurses of Suncrest Hospice for their sensitivity and assistance in helping Marilyn pass in comfort and peace.
In lieu of flowers, if you would like to make a donation in Marilyn's memory, please consider the Danville Children's Guild at P.O. Box 955, Danville, CA 94526.