Rose Marie Saylin

Rose Marie Saylin passed away at Hoag Hospital on the morning of September 18, 2025, after battling pancreatic cancer. She was born on April 29, 1943, in Grants Pass, Oregon to Adlo and Mary Nordmarken. She had a beloved sister, Nola. They lived in North Dakota until she was 14 when her family moved to California. She attended Hemet High and earned a scholarship to the University of Southern California where she obtained a degree in journalism. She was the Feature Editor for the Daily Trojan and was elected to the Mortar Board, a national honor society for excellence in scholarship, leadership and service. She was very smart and a successful student.

It was in her Man and Civilization class at USC that she met the love of her life, Brian Saylin. They dated for 4 years and were married on June 11, 1965. They first made their home in Lomita before moving to Rossmoor in Los Alamitos, where they lived for 26 years. It was there that they raised their two sons. In 1997, they moved to Trinadad Island in Huntington Harbor where they have enjoyed the beautiful setting and their electric boat trips around the harbor.

First and foremost in Rose’s life was her devotion to and companionship with her beloved husband, Brian. They were married for 60 years. Brian and Rose built a wonderful life together, enjoying the ups and downs of the journey together. Brian and Rose were made for each other. They enjoyed date-night dinners, travels both near and far, Covid-inspired TV watching, and spending time with dear friends.

Rose was a devoted mother and grandmother to her son, Greg, his wife, Jennifer, and their seven children [and spouses] (Kate [Tanner], Scott [Miranda], Keith [Shanelle], Seth [Reagen], Sophie [Cole], Chloe and Sam) and seven great-grandchildren (Beau, Saige, Hank, Sadie, Rowan, Harvey and Georgia). She made everyone feel like her favorite. She was the perfect cheerleader, loving each one unconditionally and without judgment. No matter what, these dear ones could count on “Grandma Noni” to love and support them. She will be missed greatly, along with her See’s suckers, angel-chimes and Christmas cookies, hardboiled eggs, tamale pie, and Peanuts’ birthday cards.

Rose was involved in charitable and civic organizations, including the Children’s Benefit League and the Literacy Volunteers of America. She worked for years as a bookkeeper in Brian’s law practice. She returned to school, earning two master’s degrees in Instructional Media and Library Science. She was the director of her beloved Adult Literacy Program at the Huntington Beach Library where she started as a volunteer. She helped many people learn to read and write in English and cherished her relationships with volunteers and co-workers there.

Rose had many other interests and was good at everything. She was a master quilter, making beautiful quilts for loved ones, including for each grandchild and great-grandchild. She was a voracious reader, a committed jigsaw puzzle connoisseur, and an excellent cook. Her gingersnaps and Yorkshire pudding are legendary.

Rose faced her battle with pancreatic cancer over the last year with the positivity and grace with which she lived her life. With Brian at her side for every step and caring for her in every way, she focused on those around her without complaint or feeling sorry for herself. She was deeply grateful for 60 wonderful years with Brian, good friends who enriched her life, and her beloved associations with family. A look back in the rearview mirror shows a life well lived, and the personification of all the good this world has to offer. She was a wonderful soul.

The family will host a memorial service for Rose on Thursday, September 25 at 10:00 am at Pacific View Memorial Park, 3500 Pacific View Drive, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625.

In lieu of flowers, Rose would perhaps best be honored by a donation to your local library.