“My name is Marlyn! – not Marilyn,” she would often have to say.
Marlyn Brown Turner, 2018
Marlyn was born at home in England, in the house where she grew up with her parents and her 
elder brother and sister. At school, she was an accomplished athlete and especially loved netball, track, and field hockey. She was 26 when she emigrated to the United States with her husband and daughter, eventually settling in the Pacific Northwest.
Marlyn was quite friendly and a great story teller. She just loved to talk! She greeted everyone with a big smile and absolutely loved making people laugh. Throughout her life she was mischievous, always entertaining, and she loved being the center of attention. She was a Brit and a brat and proud of it!
Marlyn loved to be outside and was passionate about walking! Downtown Kirkland and Lake Washington Blvd were two of her favorite places to walk. Summers were filled with visits to street fairs, parks and gardens, antique shops, and the Woodland Park Zoo. She was happiest when she was out and about.
Marlyn was an avid reader of novels, magazines, and newspapers, and many hours were spent watching the news — she had to know what was going on in the world! She also loved watching tennis, figure skating, the Olympics, and catching up with Coronation Street.
Marlyn faced many health challenges throughout her life with an “I can do this” attitude. In the end, Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia gradually cost her her health and eventually took away her freedom. Nevertheless, she was always independent, energetic, alert, and engaged, and she never lost her voice. Her voice was her power, her strength, and her protection.
Marlyn is remembered for her quick wit, her unique sense of humour, and her lively spirit.
If desired, please consider donations to the Woodland Park Zoo in her honour.