Marlene Carol Schillinger

Marlene was raised by her parents Joe and Blanche in Seattle. She cherished memories of bus trips downtown with her sister Marilyn, indulging in treats at the soda fountain and exploring Pike Place Market where their parents met. Later, she met Lou Huff, who became her lifelong friend, confidant and advisor.

While out with friends for a night of dancing, she met Fred; his captivating dance moves literally swept her off her feet.

As it happened, Fred had a boat and boating became their favorite activity and life long pleasure. After getting married, they bought a home in Bellevue where they lived for over 50 years and raised their sons Ric, Scott, and Mark, while enjoying the friendship of their neighbors.

Marlene was a devoted wife to her husband, Fred, and a cherished mother to her three sons. She was very creative and enjoyed knitting and sewing. She made sweaters, fleece jackets and t-shirts for her family. Later in life, she became a watercolor artist, and many people still have her beautiful works hanging in their homes. Marlene and Fred shared a passion for travel and after retiring from the Boeing Company, embarked on memorable trips across Europe, Australia, China, and Russia.

Her grandchildren—Melaina, Cassandra, Dillan, Madeline, Caroline, and Wyatt—were the light of her life. Hardly a day went by that she didn't ask how at least one of them was doing. She was recently blessed with a great granddaughter and namesake, Marley whom she adored. Marlene also had a special connection to her sister’s children, Debbie, Tammy and Stan and enjoyed participating in their their large family gatherings and treasured their visits.

Marlene’s essence was one of love, kindness, and generosity, which she extended to all her family, neighbors, and friends. Whenever she was truly happy, she would break out into song, filling her home or car with warmth and joy. Her spontaneous singing became a signature expression of her happiness and love, a memory her family will always cherish.

Marlene’s love also extended to her pets, first to Lulu and especially to her beloved Zoe, both of whom were always considered part of the family.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Fred; her sons, Ric and Mark; her grandchildren Melaina (Tim), Cassandra, Dillan (Samantha), Madeline, Caroline, and Wyatt; 1 great grandchild; 2 nieces, 1 nephew and many great-nephews and great-nieces.

She was preceded in death by her parents Joe and Blanche, her sister Marilyn and her son Scott.

A celebration of Marlene’s life will be held on Saturday, May 3rd, at 12:00 noon at Sunset Hills Funeral Home in Bellevue, WA. Inurnment will follow at Tahoma National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).