Obituary of Marla Pollock Schreck

Marla Jo Schreck was born in Tacoma, Washington, on August 25, 1946, the first of four children born to Kenneth and Jennie (Ostrander) Pollock. She grew up in Tacoma, and graduated from Curtis High School in 1964. Marla attended Washington State University and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Education in 1968. She met her husband, Dick, in college. They were married in 1967, between their junior and senior years at WSU. Their first home was in Dallas, Texas, where Dick attended graduate school and Marla taught first grade. Upon Dick’s commissioning in 1970, Marla continued to teach as they moved for Army assignments in Washington, Colorado, Minnesota, Texas, Germany, Georgia, Hawaii and Washington, D.C. In 2000, they moved to their home in Olympia, Washington. Marla died September 8, 2014 from complications related to metastatic cancer. She was always grateful to have lived 32 years with the disease that was usually much less generous with its time. In her words, “I got very lucky.” She was endlessly thankful to her family and numerous friends for all their support, help, kindnesses, messages, visits, and meals. Marla had a fondness for Hawaii, traveling in Europe, and being with friends — from her churches and choirs, military duty stations, yoga classes, book clubs, and beyond. She loved children, music, and reading. She dreamed of being a dancer. Marla gave of herself freely and selflessly and, in later years, supported many others in their own encounters with cancer. She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Richard; daughter, Amy (Phil); son, Jerrod (Malia); grandsons, Ian and Sam; granddaughters, Hayden and Tessa; mother, Jennie; siblings, Randy (Elizabeth), Scott (Tobi) and Michelle (Rob); and a wonderful extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was predeceased by her father, Kenneth Pollock. Remembrances may be made to the Choir Fund at University Place Presbyterian Church, 8101 27th Street West, University Place, WA 98466 or online at www.uppc.org/give/online-giving. Gifts in her honor may also be directed to Trinity Neighborhood Clinic, where Marla volunteered her time — 1615 6th Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98405. Bye, Ahdah. Please leave memories of Marla or condolences for her family in the Guestbook below.