Lifelong Harborite Marilyn Judith Dean Hunter, age 76, died on Nov. 28, 2016, at the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle from complications due to pneumonia. She was born on Aug. 30, 1940, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Aberdeen to parents Fred T. Dean, Jr. and Lillie Irene (Major) Dean.
Marilyn attended Hoquiam schools and graduated from Hoquiam High School with the class of 1958. Marilyn and two of her HHS classmates wrote the lyrics of the Hoquiam High School Alma Mater.
Marilyn was married to Benjamin Kari and the couple had three children, Dan, Pam and Julie. After the couple divorced, Marilyn worked as a grocery checker in the ‘70s and ‘80s for Safeway in Hoquiam and Albertsons in Aberdeen. Marilyn went to Grays Harbor College in the mid-80s and obtained a legal secretary’s certificate. She worked for Stritmatter, Kessler and McCauley until her retirement. She enjoyed her service as a crime watch volunteer for the Hoquiam Police Department.
Marilyn was a lifelong fan of the Hoquiam Grizzlies, attending games as a child with her grandfather, Fred Dean Sr. She was a great mother and grandmother and was always available to attend their activities, including ball games, swim meets and band trips.
Marilyn was married to Robert Hunter on Oct. 22, 1996, in Las Vegas. They enjoyed RV camping across the country. Bob died in 2010.
Survivors include a sister, Carmen Burke of Tacoma; an aunt, Dorothea Dow of Georgia; a son, Dan Kari of Port Angeles; daughters Pam Perdue of Hoquiam and Julie Kari of Everett; step children Robert Hunter and Lara Spradlin; nephews Dean and Doug Conzatti and numerous cousins. Grandchildren include Deirdre Sanborn and Lillie Perdue; Abbi, Ali, Graci and Zack Spradlin, and Lucas, Wesley and Amelia Hunter-Romero.
A celebration of life will be held from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10, 2016, at the Hoquiam VFW, 407 – 7th St. in Hoquiam.
The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Hoquiam Booster Club.
A private interment will be at Hoquiam’s Sunset Memorial Park.
Arrangements are by Coleman Mortuary in Hoquiam.
Please take a moment to record your thoughts by signing the on-line register at www.colemanmortuary.net.
