Marilyn Zuckerman

Marilyn Zuckerman passed away at home surrounded by family on August 31, 2018. Marilyn was an avid reader, a lifelong learner and had a passion for travel and world events. She had a generosity of spirit that let others be who they needed to be, recognizing we all change and evolve. In addition, she had a gift for listening, she could put aside her own next thought and give you space to say your piece. Marilyn’s mix of experience and openness made her friendship precious to many. Marilyn was born May 14, 1946 in Los Angeles, California, just as the GIs were returning from WWII. Her father was a US Navy man, with a purple heart. Her mother was Canadian. She was big sister to Zena and two much younger siblings, Kellie and Natalie. Marilyn, being the eldest and reliable, assumed responsibilities to counsel and nurture her sisters. Marilyn met her first husband, Gilbert Salcedo, in college and they married in 1966. While she was pursuing her Bachelor’s in history from San Jose State, Marilyn had her first child, Jason, and worked to support her husband as he completed his degree. Gilbert received a job teaching at The Evergreen State College and moved the family to Olympia in 1972. Shortly after arriving in Olympia, she gave birth to her daughter, Sara. She felt complete with two bright and active children, but as they grew, she knew she wanted something that was her own. Her first job in Olympia was at Browser’s Bookshop. After her divorce from Gilbert, Marilyn started working as an insurance agent at Allstate. She excelled at the job, listening and connecting with customers and taking on new responsibilities with grace and wisdom. Marilyn met the love sf her life, Bill Funk, while they were working at the Allstate booth inside Sears in Lacey. They married in 1990. Bill’s children embraced Marilyn and she became the beloved grandmother for their children. As her own children grew, Marilyn and Bill shared all the joys of both their families equally. In business, they continued to work together for 30 years as partners. Marilyn’s enthusiasm for reading and ideas was her strong suit, and she sought opportunities in the community to be of service. She became President of the League of Women Voters Thurston County in 2009. The League blossomed under her able leadership, business acumen and her ability to include others. Throughout her life, Marilyn loved to cook and gathered friends and family effortlessly for dinners, holidays and celebrations. She loved to exchange ideas and to discuss and debate the current events. She would carve out time for children, always her priority, and they blossomed under her love. Never depressive or demanding, she exemplified the best we humans can achieve: strength, tolerance and love. She will be profoundly missed by all who loved her. Marilyn is survived by her husband, Bill Funk; her son, Jason Salcedo, her daughter, Sara Stien, and their children; by her sisters, Zena Hartung, Kellie Williams and Natalie Augustine; by step-children, Ronelle Funk and Vince Funk; grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Her Celebration of Life will be September 29, 2018 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Olympia Country Club, 3636 Country Club Road, Olympia, WA 98502. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to the League of Women Voters Education Fund. Checks may he made out to LWVTC-EF and mailed to LWV TC, PO Box 2203, Olympia, WA 98507, in honor of Marilyn Zuckerman.