Marylee Sams

Marylee Sams passed peacefully into the loving presence of Jesus, her Lord and Savior, on April 21st, 2022 surrounded by her family. Marylee was born July 6th, 1943 in Seattle Washington to Raymond and Virginia Severson. Marylee is survived by Leon, her best friend and love of her life for 60 years, their 3 children, Chris, Jennifer, Marybeth, daughter-in-law Shelli Sams and son-in-laws Brian Larson and Jim Sande. She also took great pride in her grandchildren Collin, Braden & Logan Sams; Leif and Julia Larson; Jack, Jacob, and Joseph Sande. Marylee is also survived by Uncle Denny Severson, sister Kathy Johnson and niece Kari McPhail, and nephews Mike and Mark Johnson.

Marylee's parents were active members of Phinney Ridge Lutheran Church where Marylee developed a love for the pipe organ and dreamed of being an organist one day. Her family moved to Spokane when she was 11 and they attended Messiah Lutheran Church where the organist asked Marylee to take her spot when she retired. Marylee played the organ for weekly services when she was 13 years old. Her love for music and worship continued throughout her life while she was the organist at Calvary Lutheran in Spokane, Peace Lutheran Church in Silvana, and Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Stanwood. Marylee also volunteered for years at Josephine Sunset Home sharing her gift of music and her love for the Lord.

Marylee graduated from Shadle Park High School in 1961 and then attended Whitworth College graduating with a bachelor's in education. At Whitworth she met the love of her life, Leon Sams. They met at a homecoming assembly where Marylee was being honored as a Homecoming Princess and Leon was tasked with introducing her. Marylee & Leon were married in 1964 at Messiah Lutheran Church in Spokane and they honeymooned at Warm Beach which was her favorite spot in the world.

Marylee and Leon moved to Texas after Leon was drafted into the Army on Christmas Day of 1965. Marylee taught 2nd grade in Texas. Marylee loved teaching kids. She was a natural teacher and truly enjoyed building relationships with "her kids". She made a lasting impression on many students with enthusiasm and love for music.

Marylee and Leon moved back to Spokane in 1968. Marylee and Leon were blessed with 3 kids: Chris, Jennifer, and Marybeth. Marylee was home with Chris, Jennifer, and Marybeth during their childhood years. Marylee and Leon bought property at Warm Beach in 1977 where they camped as a family for two months every summer. In 1986, God paved the way for them to move from Spokane to Warm Beach where they built the home of their dreams. Marylee returned to teaching and taught Music at Stanwood Primary School and Twin City Elementary. Their home has always been filled with family and celebrations. Marylee would jump at any chance to have a party. She was a wonderful cook and always had the most cozy and welcoming home.

Marylee's faith was very important to her, and she lived out her faith through her actions by sharing her music, her home, and her family. Marylee used her gift of music to praise the Lord and to bring joy to others. Family was so important to Marylee with her favorite activities including walks down their road called 'slug hunts', beach campfires with plenty of food and wet washcloths, walking on the mud flats, working in the yard, and making life more beautiful for those around her.

Marylee found beauty and good in every aspect of her life and lived her life honoring God. A favorite quote of Marylee's was from Blessed Juliana of Norwich, "The best way to honor God is to live joyfully because of the knowledge of His love for us."

A Memorial Service (Celebration of her Life) will be held at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Stanwood on May 14th at 1pm with a reception following. In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations may be made to Our Saviour's Lutheran Church – Pipe Organ Repair Fund. PO Box 370, Stanwood, WA 98292. Go to www.gilbertsonfh.com for Marylee's full obituary and to share comments/write in the virtual guestbook.