Marilyn Louise Peterson

Marilyn Peterson, a beloved wife, mother, and dedicated nurse, passed away peacefully on May 17, 2024, at the age of 86. Born on August 15, 1937, in Dalton, Nebraska, to George and Cora Shinker, she moved with her family to Pasco, Washington, in 1951. She graduated from Pasco High School in 1955 and furthered her education by graduating from Sacred Heart School of Nursing (Spokane, Washington) in 1958.

In 1968, Marilyn married her soulmate, David Peterson, whom she met in San Francisco, California. Together, they built a beautiful life, raising two wonderful children, Mark, born in 1970, and Mary, born in 1973. The family settled in the Seattle area in 1972, where they became active members of the community, particularly in Catholic education, supporting institutions such as St. Louise Parish School, Eastside Catholic High School, and Gonzaga University.

Marilyn dedicated 55 years of her life to nursing, serving patients in various cities including Spokane, Washington; Honolulu, Hawaii; San Francisco, California; Denver, Colorado; and spending nearly 35 years at Overlake Hospital Medical Center in Bellevue, Washington. Her calling was to be a nurse, and her commitment to providing compassionate care and her tireless work ethic made her a respected and cherished colleague in every city she served.

Beyond her professional life, Marilyn had a passion for gardening, movies, and traveling. Hawaii and Cannon Beach holding particularly special places in her heart. She was also an avid supporter of the Seattle Mariners, always cheering for her favorite baseball team.

Her faith was central to her life, and next to her religion, family was her utmost priority. Marilyn was the third child of six siblings, three of whom preceded her in death. She is also preceded in death by her husband, Dave and her eldest child, Mark.

Marilyn leaves behind a legacy of love, dedication, and service. She will be deeply missed by her daughter, Mary (Peterson) Actor, and Mary’s spouse, Ryan Actor, who was very special to her. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews whom she loved and adored. Her warmth, generosity, and unwavering faith will continue to inspire those who knew her.

A funeral mass will be held on July 26, 2024, at St. Louise Parish in Bellevue, Washington to celebrate Marilyns’s life and the indelible mark she left on the hearts of many. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Overlake Hospital Medical Center or the American Cancer Society in her memory.

May she rest in eternal peace.