Marilyn F. Sher, 76, passed away June 11, 2004, at Whidbey General Hospital in Coupeville. She is survived by her husband Lee, after 58 years of marriage; her brother, Col. Stuard Levy and wife Monika of Stockton, Calif.; children Steven and wife Sonja of Fresno, Calif., daughter Sandra of Oakland, Calif., and David and his wife Barbara of Maple Valley. Also surviving are grandchildren Daniel, Allen, Brian, Jeremy and Stacy, and great-grandchild Lance Fiss of San Jose, Calif.

Marilyn attended the University of Arizona in Tucson in 1943. she met her future husband, Lee, then an aviation cadet in the U.S. Army Air Corps, at a USO dance in Phoenix where her family resided. Marilyn was married in June 1946. Lee left the Air Force in 1952 and the family lived in the San Francisco Bay area until 1959 when they moved to Citrus Heights, Calif.

Marilyn, after raising her family, began her charitable efforts which included hospital volunteering at Valley Children’s Hospital in Fresno and as a vision screener for children in a Lion’s program. She also served as president of the local chapter. Later, in Citrus Heights, Calif., she served as a volunteer in a local senior center and at Roseville Community Hospital. In 1989, Marily and Lee moved to Oak Harbor and had made it their home for the past 15 years. Marilyn volunteered for Oak Harbor Meals on Wheels and assisted Elaine and Debbie Bott.

Marilyn was a patient and strong mother who gave her all to her family in spite of suffering the rigors of primary lateral sclerosis, a neurological disease for the past 40 years which made her a quadraplegic. But her strong will and determination made her a model for all people, handicapped or not. She will be missed.

A memorial celebration for the life of Marilyn Sher will be held at Oak Harbor Senior Center Saturday, July 24, from 1 to 4 p.m. All her friends and acquaintances are urged to attend. Food, refreshments and music will be provided. Dress is informal. Please no gifts or flowers.