Obituary

Marlene Joyce (Salisbury) Reed, age 77, was diagnosed with terminal cancer on July 26th, 2015. She fought without losing her smile or unconditional love for her family and friends. She passed away peacefully on August 9th, 2015 at the Whatcom Hospice House in Bellingham.
Marlene was born December 19th, 1937 in Bellingham, Washington where she continued to reside for her entire life. She went to Bellingham High School and her classmates were still some of her very closest friends. Marlene married Larry Reed February 10th 1955. They were blessed with two children, Brad and Jodi. She was a wonderful homemaker and caring mother until the end. After Larry passed away she worked for many years at Hardware Sales as “The Key Lady.” She enjoyed being a part of the Hardware Sales family. Marlene spent countless hours keeping her home and garden beautiful, which she took great pleasure in. She also was interested in sewing and volunteering at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, where she was an active member. Marlene never missed a family event, and never showed up without one of her excellent dishes that she had lovingly prepared. In the last year of her life, Marlene was rewarded with her first great grandchild. He quickly became the shining new light in her eye, whom she absolutely adored. Family was the most important part of Marlene’s life. Her happiness truly lied in their happiness. She loved and supported her family unconditionally. Her grandchildren were the light of her life and she spent as much time with them as possible.
Marlene is survived by her two children, Brad Reed, Jodi Mellott and husband Dave, and her five grandchildren, Dan Mellott and wife Beth, Cory Mellott, Abby Erholm and husband Matt, Max Reed, Olivia Reed, and her great grandson Jacob Erholm. She is also survived by her brother, Roy Salisbury, sister, Donna Stratford, half-sister, Debbie French. She was preceded in death by her brother Jack Cloutier and sister Janice Hughes.
Marlene enjoyed much of her later life with her close personal friend and confidant, Jon Soine. They shared dinner almost every night and attended many functions and adventures together.
Marlene, “Mar”, Mom, Gram….we will all miss you so much. You brightened each of our lives with your kind heart and loving smile.
There will be a celebration of Marlene’s life on Thursday, August 20th, 2:00 pm at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. 1720 Harris Ave Bellingham, WA. Memorials can be made to Whatcom Hospice Foundation.