Ms. Marion Lou Culley

Marion was born August 11, 1927 in Detroit, Michigan. She was the daughter of Margaret and George Unsoeld. In June of 1939, Marion’s family set out from Detroit to settle in Anacortes, Washington. The roads in 1939 were such that it was a 3 week drive. The kids were thrilled; they got to get out of school early!

At age 16, she graduated high school then went on to study at University of Washington. After graduating she went on to complete the nursing program at UOW. During her home health student teaching, Marion contracted tuberculosis, which took 2 years of complete bed rest. She celebrated her 21st birthday in the sanitarium while recovering.

Once she completed her nursing program, Marion relocated to San Francisco, where she became a home health visiting nurse. She loved meeting and helping the unique variety of people residing in San Francisco.

In 1962 she married Knox Culley, the love of her life, and they moved to Marin County, eventually settling in Terra Linda where they raised their 2 children. Life was good in Terra Linda, with many fond memories made there. Sadly, Knox passed away in 1969 of cancer at the age of 41.

Marion is remembered by her children as a devoted and loving Mom who carried on with strength and grace raising two young kids in the face of sudden widowhood. She was supportive in many ways as her children grew into adults with kids of their own. She is considered to be quite brave in planning and executing a camping trip around the Hawaiian Islands in a popup VW camper—with her son David, daughter Debbie & niece Nancy. Brave, because camping was never “her thing”. Brave, because the older kids were allowed to drive, and somehow ended up the side of a steep volcano, much to Marion’s horror. Lots of stories are still told about that trip.

After retiring, Marion volunteered at Novato Community Hospital. She then took a position there as Unit Secretary. Oh, the stories she told, as Novato was set up to handle the prisoners from San Quentin.

Marion is remembered as a very stylish lady who set a beautiful Christmas and holiday table. She is remembered for her wonderful sense of humor and as the fun Auntie who took great pleasure driving fast down the hilly streets of San Francisco to thrill her son, niece and nephew in her blue Rambler. She is fondly remembered for having taught her niece how to sew. She is remembered as a supportive sister-in-law who you could count on in a pinch. She is remembered as a loving and proud Grammie who took great joy in her 5 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

Marion is survived by her children David Culley (Kathy) of Santa Rosa, Ca. Debbie Passanisi (Mark) of Petaluma, Ca. Five grandchildren: Lacey Culley Ostermann (Chris) of London, England; Austin Culley of Santa Rosa; Ashley Passanisi of San Rafael, Eric Passanisi of Petaluma and Michela Passanisi of Petaluma. Marion was blessed with two great-grand babies: Alexander Erich Knox Ostermann and Sophie Elizabeth Ostermann, both of London, England. Marion was delighted to have enjoyed recent visit with her great-grand babies.

Marion’s childhood was made complete with two siblings that she loved dearly; older sister Barbara Mason (the late Mel) and little brother George (Louise). She was blessed with 5 nieces and nephews: Alan Mason, Nancy Mason, the late Carol Mason, Marji Karlgaard (Rich) and Chris Unsoeld.

Marion settled in Sonoma, Ca. after her children were grown. She made lifetime friends with her neighbors and spent countless hours playing card games and Trivial pursuit. She was an avid crafter, making and selling crafts at the holidays. She loved to garden, and was especially fond of growing tomatoes and roses.

Her family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to her neighbors Sam and Melody Field, for loving Mom and looking after her like she was their own. Words cannot express how thankful we are that she had such friends. Also, sincere gratitude to Hospice of Petaluma and the faithful Meals on Wheels volunteers.

A celebration of Marion’s life will be held a Trinity Episcopal Church on Saturday, March 23, 2019 beginning at 1:00 p.m. A reception will be held in the church’s parish hall immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, her family suggests donations to Hospice of Petaluma or Meals on Wheels Sonoma.

Hospice Petaluma: 416 Payran St. Petaluma, Ca. 94952

Meals On Wheels-Sonoma: 275 E. Spain St. Sonoma, Ca. 95476