Marlene (Marty) Kardash's Obituary
Marlene was born on February 20th 1943 in Seattle, WA. She went to be with the Angels on January 19th, 2020 to join her husband Tommy, parents Arley and Margaret Baker, Mother in Law Regina Kardash and her sisters, Eileen Crabtree and Cathleen Sellers. Marlene is survived by a large loving family including her children, Marcy (Jon) Haywood, Thomas Michael (Kathy) Kardash, Sheryl (Michael) Smith. Her 4 grandchildren, Nicole (Jeffrey) Haywood, April (Joseph) Fulton, Mathew (Jessica) Nixon and Jennifer (Hong) Lou. 7 great grandchildren, Jonathan (JD), Ryann, Jayce, Bodhi, Rorie, Lily and Rowynn. Marlene is also survived by her sisters, Becky (Karl) VanDeventer, Donna Wetmore and brother in law Michael Sellers. She was called Aunt Mickey by her treasured Nieces and Nephews and Great Nieces and Great Nephews.
A Fern Hill resident for over 55 years. Marlene loved her neighborhood and made life long friends with her neighbors. During her younger years Marlene stayed home to care for her children. Working a few part-time jobs. By the time all the kids were in school she began her working career. Marlene worked at University of Puget Sound Law School in the 1970's into the 80's working her way up to registrar. Once she left the University she found fun and friendship in the Home Interiors family for 10 years. Many houses in Pierce County are beautifully decorated by Marlene. Marlene found her calling when she return to work with the Bethel School District. She worked with the Transition Program for adult students 18-21. Her students and co-workers called her Marty. A name she gave herself when she was involved in Girl Scouting. Marty was a favorite of her students and was respected and loved by her co workers.
Marlene was involved with her community. She was a long time member of St. Ann Catholic Church where she was a sponsor for the Adult Education Program, directed the Children's Christmas Program for a few years and was an religious education assistant. When her kids were students at Fern Hill Elementary School Marlene was involved in the PTA. Marlene had a way of getting her family, neighbors and friends involved with programs for kids in the community. Marlene accepted all children at every skill ability in Girl Scouting, Team Sports or the class room. Always taking One More! Give a Child a chance, you'll never know what potential they can reach.
Marlene was a Brownie, Junior and Cadet Girl Scout Leader for her girls in their younger years. This is where she gave herself her scout name Marty. Those memories are so special. Camping, Events, Badges, Father Daughter Dance, Ceremonies are remembered to this day and not just by us but many of the girls that were in her troops. Than when her granddaughter's started scouting she joined in the fun again. Two generations of girls had the experience of scouting with Marty. Mom would tell you how lucky she was.
Marlene ended up as Coach for her daughters softball team and her son's soccer team. Softball and Slow-pitch have been a family tradition for years! Mom aka Grandma was the biggest fan. It was always a family affair. Marlene was very proud of coaching boys soccer. She was the 1st women's boys soccer coach as reported by the Tacoma News Tribune. She got the job because only a third of the boys trying out were selected for the SEAA team. She went to SEAA to sign up to be a boys soccer coach but they told her NO. She was a women. Well......Marlene fixed that! She Recruited 2 male assistant coaches. And she got her team. They only won 1 game. The losses were not by much. The win meant everything. They beat the number 1 team. To this day the boys still remember the fun.
Sheryl was the typical baby of the family and mom took a new interest and was the typical "Dance Mom" Making sure that practice was made 3 days a week. There were rehearsals, performances, costumes and recitals. This gave her pure joy.
Marlene loved to watch her son Michael (#655) race motocross. Family weekend at the race track was priceless. The weather, The break downs and Oh the Wins were Sweet! Especially the win in the Tacoma Dome. The favorite thing in the world was spending time with her family.
You never know the love of a grandparent until you become one was never a truer statement for Marlene. Her love of her Grands and Greats gave her so much joy. Grandma, Mimi, Mom, Aunt Mickey, Marty, Marlene, Friend we will miss you and love you forever.
What’s your fondest memory of Marlene?
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Describe a day with Marlene you’ll never forget.
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