Marlene Joyce Reed
December 19, 1937 - August 09, 2015
- Share:
Marlene Joyce Reed
December 19, 1937 - August 09, 2015
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.
Funeral Service
- Date & Time: August 20, 2015 (12:00 AM)
- Venue: Our Savior Lutheran Church
- Location: 1720 Harris Ave Bellingham WA, WA 98225 - (Get Directions)
- Phone Number: (360) -73-3-6749
13 responses to Marlene Joyce Reed
Jon Soine says:
August 9, 2015
My first memory of our dear friend Marlene was when we were in the 7th grade, and I was playing catch at the South entrance of Whatcom Middle School, and this beautiful 6th grade girl came out and talked to us as 3 boys stumbled around trying to impress these the two beautiful 6th grade girls. It took 60 years to bring us together again. I was overwhelmed by her smile, that had not changed in those 60 years as our friendship grew into love, that was cut too short!
Brad, Jodi, Abby and family, know that your mother loved you all as you were the biggest joy’s of her life. .
BLESSED BE THE MEMORY of our dear lifetime friend, MARLENE (SAULSBERRY)REED
Barbara (Dunkak) Mills says:
August 9, 2015
Jody and Brad,I am so sorry to read of your Mom’s passing. I grew up next door to your grandparents, Grant and Lottie Reed. I remember your parents and the times you all visited your grandparents when you were “little kids”. Your Mom’s beautiful smile always stood out to me. I reconnected briefly with your Mom when I was volunteering at Whatcom Love, INC. Your Mom was working in the office of another business there. We had some special conversations about our memories, and she especially talked of her love for her family. God bless you all as you miss your wonderful Mom.
Elizabeth (Beth) Barnhart says:
August 9, 2015
In the blink of an eye God sent Marlene into my life. We talked and shared daily for 4 months. She was my sister in Christ. We shared family, struggles, gardening ( I taught her about roses, she taught me about casting my Gunnera leaf) Jodi has our gunnera leaf coffee table. Dave was a class mate of Brad’s.I have always been able to sing Amazing Grace, as I am quite good with that gift. Today I was speechless. I so miss Marlene as I really have no true friends. What a friend we have in Jesus, Marlene I will see you in heaven. Love you to heaven and heaven. Beth Barnhart.
Bill and Shelli (Eiford) Brown says:
August 9, 2015
Dear Brad & Jody,
Our sincere condolences on the loss of your lovely, beautiful mother. I remember her from when the Reed family lived on Lynn Street. Occasionally when my older sister Debbie was not able to babysit you two, I would be the fill in babysitter. I so remember how sweet and kind your mother always was to me.
The family memories of her will always keep her loving memory in your hearts.
Bill & Shelli Brown
Janet Crook Pierson says:
August 9, 2015
Your beautiful smile and light will be missed deeply. But LOVE has a way of staying eternal and that gives me peace. We will pick up our pom poms later my dear, dear friend. Until then, sometimes send us a few stars at midnight. At our 60th class reunion in September, we’ll all be sending you some back. With Love, Janet Crook