By Scott Schaefer
(with help from his sisters)
Founder/Publisher

My beloved Mom – Marilyn Jean (nee Martin) Schaefer – a longtime West Seattle resident, passed away peacefully on July 18, 2018 at the age of 88.

Born in Roundup, MT, Marilyn graduated from Grant High School in Portland before settling down in Seattle, where she worked for Bell Telephone, even as a spokesmodel at one time.

She met the love of her life – Robert W. “Bob” Schaefer – while studying classical piano at Cornish School of the Arts. Married to Bob at Seattle’s First Methodist Church in 1951, Marilyn went on to become The Great American Mom to four kids, and was considered a “second Mom” to many.

She lived a life full of love, laughter, music, family and more, was always very positive and upbeat, gracious, loving, and seemingly never got sick – she was “always there.” Marilyn loved gardening (especially roses), playing the piano, traveling to Cannon Beach, listening to jazz, being with her family, celebrating holidays and special occasions, boating, walking on Alki, decorating, her Golden Retriever Jenny, dining out, laughing at jokes with her husband of over 50 years, home life, Seahawks and Husky football, taking the family to see Santa at Frederick & Nelson, and so much more.

Very involved with her kids’ schools and the PTA, Marilyn was once honored with a Golden Acorn Award from the Schmitz Park PTA.

Later, after becoming an Empty Nester, she went back to school, earned a degree in Business Administration at Highline College, then enjoyed working for law firms for ~25 years; her last position was at Eisenhower and Carlson in downtown Seattle.

Marilyn also had great penmanship, was a lover of making lists, and was very organized. Her upbeat, happy voice was always positive, and she rarely cursed, with the worst expressions heard being “God…Bless America!” or “Oh Blast!” and most often, “Oh Bob!

She is preceded in death by her husband Bob, and her parents Alyce and Vincent Martin. She is survived by her children Diana Schaefer, Patti Newman, Judy Schaefer and Scott Schaefer (Theresa), along with her brother Ron Martin (Carolyn), 7 grandchildren: Prahlad Friedman (Aida), Emily Robertson (Chad); Maclean Newman, Lillian Newman, Alyssa Harris, Brooks Schaefer, Sophie Schaefer, and 3 great-grandchildren.

She was loved by all.

A private family memorial is planned for the fall.

Here’s part of what I posted about her on Facebook the day after her passing:

“On her final day of life, she was surrounded by family, who all spoke to her words of deep love, shared memories, gave gentle kisses and more.

“She was my MOM! A great Mother, who taught me so much, believed in me, supported me unconditionally, and was always so proud of my accomplishments.

“I already miss her so much, but am happy that she is finally free from pain and discomfort and can dance again on the Sunny Side of the Street with the love of her life…”

Thanks to all who sent their condolences and wishes – you have made it much easier for her entire family to grieve!

Here’s a link to her obit in The Seattle Times.

My old high school friend John Carlson of KVI Radio did a sweet tribute to Marilyn on air the day after she passed:

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4 replies on “OBIT: My beloved Mom – Marilyn Jean Schaefer – passed away July 18, 2018”

  1. Our most sincere condolences to you and your family.
    Your Mom sounds like an exceptional person.
    Sue and Tom Taaffe

  2. Hi Scott;
    Very sorry to hear about your mother’s passing. Saying goodbye to your mother is about a tough as it gets. Hang in there.
    Best,
    GB

  3. Scott, Theresa, and all who loved your beautiful mother,
    Losing our mom is losing our best friend. Your mom was a very special lady and her time with you was obviously full of love.

  4. Scott; so sorry you lost your mom. I’ll bet she was very proud of you and Theresa for the way you both have lived your lives. Be strong.
    Mark and Lois

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