Dr. Marilyn Fay Sparks Severson

Marilyn Fay Sparks Severson, 85, of Seattle, Washington passed away on December 30, 2025 after a short illness. She is survived by her nieces Kathleen (Joe) DaBoll-Lavoie of Canandaigua, New York, and Elizabeth DaBoll (Jim Willard) of Greene, New York; great nephew Bradley DaBoll-Lavoie of Brooklyn, New York, great niece Abigail DaBoll-Lavoie Harmony (Zach) of Boston, Massachusetts, great niece Caroline Marra (Kayla) of St. Louis, Missouri, great-great nephew Cohen Marra and beloved cat Jesse. She was predeceased by her parents Marion Cecelia and Lestle J. Sparks, and her sister Marion DaBoll.

She was born and raised in Salem, Oregon and followed the family tradition of attending Williamette University. She obtained her master’s degree from University of Pittsburgh and her Ph.D. from the University of Colorado.

Dr. Severson held a variety of positions, including teaching in Alaska for a year, before joining Seattle Pacific University in 1979. She was Professor of European Studies/French until her retirement from SPU in 2004. During her academic career, she taught a wide variety of language courses, led the SPU Foreign Languages Department and wrote books, including Masterpieces of French Literature and James A. Michener: A Critical Companion. She was committed to providing students with authentic language experiences, organizing and leading student study tours to Europe throughout her career.

Marilyn was a beloved and devoted Aunt, travelling to the east coast for Christmas holidays and every birth, graduation and wedding. Her family cherishes all the adventures that were had and the special memories that were made as she traversed the country for almost seventy years to ensure that our love and family bond remained strong, despite the 3000 miles that separated us.

Marilyn was a member of Queen Anne’s Presbyterian Church. She served as an elder, Clerk of Session for over 25 years, played the organ and led the “Senior Gathering” Friday luncheon for decades.

In addition to her study tours in France, she was a world traveler, exploring the globe with a myriad of friends throughout her life. She was a voracious reader, cat lover, square dancer and avid sports fan - especially tennis! She cultivated and maintained many dear friendships from her decades in Seattle and her many travels.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, January 4th at Queen Anne Presbyterian Church located at 414 W. Howe St in Seattle, WA at 3:00 p.m. (Livestreamed at qapresbyterian.org).

In lieu of flowers, donations in her name may be made to Queen Anne Presbyterian Church, Seattle Pacific University (Marilyn S. Severson Scholarship Endowment) or Willamette University (Sparks Family Scholarship Fund).

Au Revoir Marilyn.