Marlene Joyce Reed
December 19, 1937 - August 09, 2015
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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
Ron and Janice Soine (Jon's brother) says:
August 9, 2015
We are so very thankful we got to know Marlene through Jon. She was a very positive, kind, warmhearted and loving lady. She was always up for coming to Seattle or out to our Lake Whatcom cabin, for one of our family gatherings with Jon. On our last visit at our lake cabin in early July, even though she obviously was very ill, she whipped up a beautiful apple cobbler for our evening treat. Marlene radiated warmth to those around her. We will miss her. God’s blessings to the family as you struggle to get through this difficult time.
roy and gayle salisbury says:
August 9, 2015
Jodi & BrAd and family: How much we will all miss your mom,She was a wonderful addition to not only your family, but the human race. Still trying to realize she is gone.She so loved all of you. She was such a support after Paul passed away We will miss her. hugs uncle roy and aunt gayle
Mary Walker says:
August 9, 2015
Dear Abby, Olivia and the Reed family:I am sorry about the loss of your beautiful grandmother. Healing thoughts and love to you over the next days and weeks.
Steve Carlsen says:
August 9, 2015
Brad -So sorry to her of your mom’s passing. Great memories of our Lynn Street childhood are forever. Marlene & Larry were a big part of that for me. Take care.
Steve.
Jon and Diana Larson says:
August 9, 2015
My mom, Sharon, told me last night how Marlene was her neighbor as a little girl and who became a lifelong friend. I feel so lucky that my parents, Sharon and Bud, had the Reeds and the Kings as lifelong friends. I will always remember Marlene for her peaceful smile and gracious manner, especially when she, Brad, and Jodi, visited with my sister, Julie, and I shortly after my father’s sudden death. No doubt her longtime commitment to the Lord played a role in the way she faced life’s challenges. We wish all her family comfort during this time.