Marilyn Smith

Marilyn was born in 1938 on her

family’s dairy farm near the small

Wisconsin town of Elmwood. She was a city girl at heart and moved to Seattle with her parents as a teenager, where she graduated from Highline High School in 1956. Marilyn worked briefly as a secretary before marrying Jack Smith in 1960 and embarking on her true passion which was making a beautiful and loving home for her family. Jack and Marilyn began their married life in West Seattle before relocating to Alderwood Manor in 1969

where they raised their two daughters, Kelli and Kymberlee.

Marilyn was a passionate cook and baker, loved fashion, flowers and making her home welcoming and beautiful. Most of all, she was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt, always happiest in the company of her daughters, grandchildren and extended family. In 1991, Jack and Marilyn moved to Vashon Island where she became an active member of the Arboretum Foundation and made many new friends. Marilyn was especially fond of the holidays, from baking to decorating and serving wonderful, elaborate family dinners; she made them special for everyone. Jack and Marilyn particularly enjoyed hosting an annual Fourth of July party on the island for family, friends, and neighbors. Her death will be a poignant reminder of the many fun times we all had celebrating that day. Marilyn had a positive outlook and was always in motion, fond of saying “energy feeds on energy,” “if I sit down, I’ll fall asleep,” and “expect the best and that’s what you’ll get.” These words will continue to inspire us to carry forth with the same energy, passion and optimism.

Marilyn died peacefully on July 4, 2015, following an extended illness. She was preceded in death by her husband Jack Smith and is survived by daughters, Kelli Smith (Dan Rankin) and Kymberlee Bruton (Glen Bruton), along with her grandchildren, Emily Adams, Oliver and Benjamin Rankin and many nieces and nephews. A private memorial is planned for fall. Donations in the memory of our mother may be made to CurePSP, 30 E. Padonia Road, Suite 201, Timonium, MD 21093

Paid Obituary.