My sister and I often had tea with Marilyn when we would stay with our mother (her neighbor and friend).

When going to a play and when staying in Santa Maria we would always meet Marilyn for breakfast or lunch.

She always had interesting things to talk about.  We were all artists and loved talking art.  We miss seeing her when we’re in town, but we’re grateful for all the good memories that we shared.  What an amazing person who continues to inspire.

Sue & Lori Slater

The year Marilyn was an Elks Queen candidate our parents went to Wyoming on a 5 week vacation and left the three of us to fend for ourselves.  The Elks gave a car at a drawing each year and the car was a '55 Chevy Bel Air which Marilyn got to drive for a week as a candidate.  The three of us had a blast in that car.

For 9 years it was only our living room  wall that separated our apartments, each of us always wondering if an accidental clunk of our sliding closet doors was heard, and yes, we heard each other hammering nails on the wall when hanging pictures. Two of mine Marilyn painted for me. She and I shared too many things to list the years we enjoyed living next door, and there are too many things I will miss, mainly her calm and friendly presence. We celebrated birthdays together and champagne when our guys won the presidential elections. We chatted on the porch about our plants, politics,  and our families. We knew we could call on each other when in need. 

I can't imagine ever getting used to her not being here. I still feel her presence, as if she's just making a run to Target or is on her way to lunch with friends. In my mind's eye I still see her through my living room window walking to and fro past my apartment. There's lot about Marilyn for me to miss. She was a perfect friend and neighbor for whom I will always be grateful. Rest in peace, dear Marilyn. Your friend, Janice

From Mom's brother Dick, just as his sister was passing away:

"Letting you know that I love you and sad to see you go, I understand. Vaya con Dios." 

Mom had a wonderful end-of-life doctor named Dr. Castaneda. He had so much empathy for mom and was the perfect person to talk with as she went through the end-of-life process. We watched him as he held her hand with such compassion as mom told him her last wishes. 

Dr Castaneda gives his patients kisses, family members too. Mom LOVED getting kisses from the handsome Dr Castaneda and welcomed them anytime she could sneak one. She even shooed her kids away so she could get all of his affection!

It was so nice to have such a compassionate, caring doctor for mom at this time in her life, even if he did tell Lisa she smelled like the dog. Oh, he loved Gumbeaux as well. Gumbeaux came to visit everyday and brightened up many days while he was there. We are so happy that the hospital is pet friendly. 

When mom went into the hospital, we knew she was very sick, but thought she would make it out of there. When we realized that she would not, we began to notify family and friends. It wasn't long after that when her longtime friend, Judy came by for a visit. When mom saw her, she opened her arms and embraced her into a huge hug. We all left the room to give them some time together. When we came back in, mom had finally convinced Judy to learn how to send text messages. It was easier for mom to communicate in writing or text at that time and she was so thrilled to get her first text from Judy. 

There they sat, like two juvenile delinquents texting away at the dinner table, laughing quietly and having a blast. 

Mom was in such good spirits the whole time and we are all so grateful that we had those last moments with her. It is a great memory, watching those two old-time friends texting and laughing together.