Marilyn Hesser

1945 - 2025

Marilyn Anne Hesser, 80, passed away peacefully at home on October 18, 2025. Born May 20, 1945, in Greenfield, Massachusetts, she moved with her family to New Hampshire and graduated from Milford High School in 1963.

Marilyn earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in biology, graduating cum laude from the University of Rochester in 1967. There she met Jim Felton, a medical student, and the two married in 1968. She worked in medical research at the university for two years before welcoming her children - Gregory in 1969, and Melinda in 1971.

The family moved to Richland, Washington, in 1975 where Jim established his medical practice. Following their divorce in 1979, she built a successful independent career, first working six years as a recruiter and office manager at PDS Technical Services, and then serving for 21 years at Hanford with Boeing Computer Services, Westinghouse, and Lockheed Martin. She rose from staff assistant to manager in Records Management and Contract Administration, retiring in 2005.

Known for her extraordinary sense of responsibility and leadership, Marilyn had a gift for organization and service - so much so that she joked one could safely assume she held an office in nearly every organization she joined. Her passions included her grandchildren, sports, reading, and music. Whether cheering for her favorite sports teams, the Mariners, Seahawks and Sounders, or playing tennis or skiing, she poured her energy into activities and organizations, including:

American Contract Bridge League, Unit 442 ; Desert Ski Club; Meadow Springs Country Club; Stroum Guild at Seattle Children's Hospital; Tri-Cities Tennis Association, and Central Church.

Marilyn's joy shone brightest around her grandchildren - Greta, Jaeger, Mylie, and Kam - whose summer visits she treasured. She was an enthusiastic reader. She loved card and board games, puzzles, and she was always ready for friendly competition. Travel was another great pleasure; with her husband Andy, she explored the world.

Marilyn is survived by her husband of 24 years, Andy Hesser; son Gregory (Ann) Felton and grandchildren Margaret and Jaeger; daughter Melinda (Scott) Johnson and grandchildren Mylie and Kam; sisters Barbara (Carmine Russo) Carpenter and Sue (Bob) Heaton.

Services will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to BreakthroughT1D or the American Diabetes Association.