Obituary of Marylyn Donnelly

On January 1, 2015, Team Marylyn lost our Captain. She was a great Mom, Wife, Sister, Aunt, and Friend. Marylyn grew up in Parkland, Washington, and raised her family there with her husband, Robert. Marylyn attended Franklin Pierce High School, Washington State University, and later obtained her Master’s Degree from Pacific Lutheran University. Marylyn was a member of Kappa Delta sorority. A life-long athlete, Marylyn started her career as a Physical Education teacher at Ford Junior High and later became a counselor at Keithley Middle School. Her favorite times were spent outside with family and friends, and simply enjoying nature. Marylyn loved her pets, as well as little creatures that would visit the yard. She had a knack for finding agates and other natural wonders. Marylyn enjoyed volunteering at the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge and the Ocean Shores Interpretive Center; and one of her favorite activities was playing tennis with her friends in Ocean Shores. Marylyn had a strong and positive spirit, and was always one for an adventure, whether camping in the rain or trying a new way of doing something. She and Robert spent many active winters exploring and enjoying the sun in Yuma, while keeping busy with their yard and other fun at home. Marylyn will be greatly missed by her family, husband of 51 years, Robert; son Shawn; daughter, Shannon; sister, Sonja and brother-in-law Al; sister-in-law, Jan; niece, Wendy; and nephews, Brett and Cory. She was predeceased by her parents and brother. Special thanks go out for loving care and support provided by Group Health Olympia Oncology Department, Providence St. Peter Oncology, and Providence Hospice. In lieu of flowers, a remembrance to Friends of the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge (100 Brown Farm Rd. Olympia, WA 98516) or the St. Peter Foundation Oncology Healing Garden (413 Lilly Rd. NE, Olympia, WA 98506) would be cherished. Please leave memories of Marylyn or condolences for her family in the Guestbook below.