Marlene A Loonam

Marlene graduated from high school in Devils Lake, North Dakota, and soon left for Saint Mary School of Nursing in Rochester, Minnesota. Before embarking on her nursing career, she and 3 friends left on a freighter for a 3 month backpacking trip around Europe. That adventurous spirit continued with her choice of jobs. Faced with a choice of Bermuda or Alaska, a friend talked her into going to Alaska. That friend soon backed out, and Marlene left on her own up to Juneau. She worked there for several years before going on a blind date with Joseph Loonam. Their first date was the Governor’s Ball, and they were married 6 months later on June 14th, 1963. The couple honeymooned in the Pacific Northwest, where they would eventually make their home. Marlene and Joe had 4 kids, and soon she left nursing to pursue her career as a mother.

Marlene enjoyed geneology. She spent years collecting information and even met some Loonams on a trip to Ireland. She also appreciated gourmet dinners, spending time at the beach with her family, and the company of her friends. One of her favorite things to do right before her grandchildren came over was to bake so her house would smell like fresh baked cookies when they arrived.

Marlene was preceded in death by her husband Joe, and her parents. She is survived by her children Ann Loonam of Seattle, Dave Loonam and his wife Melissa of Coral Springs, FL, Sarah Peterson and her husband Richard of Bend, OR, and Amy Loonam of Olympia. She is also survived by her grandchildren Joe, Grace and Tab Loonam of Coral Springs, and Athena and Ella Peterson of Bend. In addition she leaves behind 3 sisters and a brother, and many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to a celebration of life on August 17th at St. Michaels Parish, 1208 11th Ave. SE in Olympia at 10:00am followed by a luncheon.

Memorials in her name may be made to the American Cancer Society

P.O. Box 22718

Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718