Remembering Marilyn Masterman, 1932-2023

| Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends are remembering Marilyn Masterman, and sharing this remembrance with the community:

MARILYN MASTERMAN
12/6/1932 TO 01/07/2023

Marilyn’s smile and laughter would light up any room she entered. She had a quick wit and ready comment for anyone who crossed her path. Marilyn was quite a character and not easy to forget. When Marilyn began her adult life, she moved to Seattle in 1950 and witnessed much of the city’s music and comedy history in her 90 years. Marilyn had many friends throughout her life and times.

Marilyn was extremely interested in civil-rights issues and stayed informed about politics and life. She spent her career in the hospitality industry (working at fine hotels like The Olympic, The Westin, and the Warwick) and her customers and co-workers loved and confided in her.

Marilyn married Lyle Masterman in 1963 and lived in West Seattle until her stroke in November 2021. After her stroke, Marilyn moved to Gig Harbor to be closer to her daughter, Marjanne Masterman. The stroke affected her speech and cognitive skills, the most important parts of her personality, as well as her fierce independence. On January 7, 2023, she left this part of her journey to join those that had preceded her in death, her twin sister, her Mom & Dad, her husband Lyle, and many other siblings and friends. Marilyn brings them her laughter, love, and mischievous ways. Without a doubt, she will liven things up!

Marilyn is survived by her 3 stepdaughters; Shari, Sandi, and Marjanne Masterman, her son-in-law Gary Lauritsen, 4 grandchildren; Catherine, Dominique, Lauren, and Etienne, and 3 great-grandchildren: Theo, Cami, and Zach.

Marilyn was born in Arkansas in 1932 to James and Mary Ann Miller. She was the fifth of 14 siblings and there are many tales of their lives together. Her surviving siblings live outside of Washington and include Norma Peyton, Glennett Britton, James Miller Jr., Claudette Griffith, Gloria Banks, Charlene Hammonds, and Ivory Miller. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and their families.

We will miss her laughter, her chuckle, and her quick wit every day. Life is not the same without her.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

Gay February 3, 2023 (10:16 am)

Rest in Peace, dear one.

WS4life February 3, 2023 (10:21 am)

A beautiful tribute, I’m sure she will be dearly missed.

Martha February 3, 2023 (11:15 am)

Marjanne, Gary and to all the family, my condolences. I remember Marilyn from hi school, she had a way that made me hang on to every word. Having lost my own mom this last year, looks like we are becoming that next generation to pass knowledge on, hopefully with some wisdom mixed in. Martha

Marjanne Masterman February 4, 2023 (12:30 pm)

Thanks very much for these memories. It is a bittersweet time of missing her but feeling at peace because she is at peace. Condolences to you as well for the loss of your mum. You cared for her with so much love.Marjanne

Elaine February 4, 2023 (10:27 am)

My mom (who died in November 2022) and I met Marilyn at Harold’s gym years ago. Indeed, that woman could light up a room. Condolences to her family.

Marjanne Masterman February 4, 2023 (12:33 pm)

Elaine, thanks for your comments. Marilyn would speak fondly of both you and your mom as she would recall memories of sharing pastries and coffee!! Thanks to bringing joy to her life.Marjanne

Marjanne Masterman February 4, 2023 (12:36 pm)

Elaine, thanks for your comments. Marilyn would speak fondly of both you and your mom as she would recall memories of sharing pastries and coffee!! Thanks for bringing joy to her life. Marjanne

Elaine February 4, 2023 (5:41 pm)

My first thought when I saw this was “Oh, I need to tell my mom…” Losing her has been a tough loss, and thinking of the times we shared with Marilyn brought a smile to my face. Marilyn spoke frequently of her girls, and I greatly admired her grace, courage and of course her sense of humor. Your response to my comment is a good reminder that sometimes we don’t realize the impact we have on each other’s lives.

Joseph in West Seattle February 4, 2023 (1:24 pm)

Marilyn was a friend of mine since the 1980’s when we met at the Warwick Liaison lounge. I dearly adored her jovial personality. Rest well, dear Marilyn.

Soo February 5, 2023 (6:41 am)

When I first met Marilyn 50 some years ago I thought she was gorgeous and funny and smart. She was incandescent. I’m sure Marilyn appreciated the excellent care you provided her Marjanne. My love to you and your family.

Kristen February 7, 2023 (11:22 pm)

Sending my deepest condolences to her family & loved ones. 🕊️🤍🙏🏽She used to visit me several times a week at work (neighborhood store) & it was my absolute pleasure to serve her for the last 12 years. I would see her several times a week. (Until the pandemic, then I saw her 1 last time) she would see me & say “there’s my buddy!” Then she would come say something hilarious or razz me. If I had a penny for every laugh we shared. Through 3 of my pregnancies, she was my happy part of the day at work. I would always stop everything to come help her & enjoy her humor. (I was her personal shopper, giving her the VIP tour) The stories of her kids & grandson. I got to work w someone who also worked w Marilyn in the past, & their stories were something special! I’m going to miss her. She most definitely was a person you will never forget if you had the privilege to meet her.

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