Recent Obituaries

(Part 1 of 2 Messages) I've known Marion for several years, I believe we first connected in 1997. Yeah, a long time ago. She has gone by several email names with me; Gemmii, Gemmii2, Keepher, just to name a few. It always seemed to change whenever she had an issue with her computer or email. (it appears that I was going to be her computer guru). In 2009, Marion and I started a book coloboration, not sure where it was going or for how long it would continue, but I was game. Her first paragraph I received looked like this: < The Way We Were By Marion M. Bagley Gemmii2@msn.com Foreword: This Woman: I was born in a little farmhouse in a little farm town. This was one of those towns that defy definition. Why because - Black or White, we were all related, all took care of one another. In my early years I didn't realize this. But later knew this to be true. About me..... I was unique in that in spite of all that would happen to me, I developed extra armor to protect my self, my mind. What's unique is that I never knew this for many years. I only acknowledged this in later years. I was/ am ordinary in most ways. Only a part of me is unique. (This will become apparent as this writing unfolds). My savior: (Keep/Keepher) The whole of my uniqueness. The things I remember from that time remain. But Now that I reflect there has always been that invisible buffer, (between me and that menace that invaded my life, at so early an age.) Memory may be dulled with age but some things always remain. I am* > The story goes on, but I don't have permission to present to just anybody. Marion was very talented. I used to send out smile emails, Monday thru Friday, and I would almost always receive an email back from Marion, telling me how much she laughed or cried about the latest email. There were several times that Marion and I would connect up via Skype and talk for hours in the evenings, about different happenings or family. I miss her a bunch.

(2nd Pg Continued) I have lost several co-workers, friends and family (even though Marion and I never formally met, face to face [other than Skype] she will always be family to me) over the past few years, and I send an email out with the following story, Marion enjoyed reading it every time. It goes like this: (some of the words have been changed to fit the situation) < At an airport I overheard a mother and daughter in their last moments together. They had announced her plane's departure and standing near the door she said, "Mother, our life together has been more than enough. Your love is all I ever needed. I wish you enough, too, Mother." They kissed good-bye and the daughter left. The mother walked over toward the window where I was seated. Standing there I could see she wanted and needed to cry. I tried not to intrude on her privacy, but she welcomed me in by asking, "Did you ever say good-bye to someone knowing it would be forever?" "Yes, I have," I replied. Saying that brought back memories I had of expressing my love and appreciation for all my Mom and Dad had done for me. Recognizing that their days were limited, I took the time to tell each of them face to face how much they meant to me. So I knew what this person was experiencing. "Forgive me for asking, but why is this a forever good-bye?" I asked. "I am old and she lives much too far away. I have challenges ahead and the reality is, her next trip back will be for my funeral," she said. "When you were saying good-bye I heard you say, 'I wish you enough'. May I ask what that means?" She began to smile. "That's a wish that has been handed down from other generations. My parents used to say it to everyone." She paused a moment and looking up as if trying to remember it in detail, she smiled even more. "When we said 'I wish you enough', we were wanting the other person to have a life filled with enough good things to sustain them". She continued and then, turning toward me, she shared the following as if she was reciting it from memory: I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright. I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more. I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive. I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much bigger. I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting. I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess. I wish enough 'Hellos' to get you through the final 'Good-bye'. She then began to sob and walked away. My friends, family and loved ones, I wish you ENOUGH!!! AUTHOR: Bob Perks > I've got a picture that Marion sent me, a while back, and as soon as I find it again, I'll post it here. She is and will always be one of the finest, loveliest "young" lady I have ever known.

Though I didn't know Marion for long, I knew her as Mom. I first met Mom through Char; we all lived in the same '70s-style apartment building in Seattle. I still vividly remember the first conversation I had with Momwe met at the mailbox center of our building. Not long into the conversation, she beamed and said, "Call me Mom!" Though I'm not really a spiritual person, I felt so drawn to her positive energy and vibrant aura. Mom was refreshingly honest; compassionate; wonderfully confident in herself and her life's journey; fiercely intelligent and witty; and vivacious as heck. I feel so honored to have known her at all, and wish I'd met her and Char sooner, and stayed in Seattle longer. I send Mom and Char gratitude and love. Mom will most definitely be missed; the world was so lucky that she graced us with her presence.

When I think of Marion, I think of her playing the keyboard and writing short stories in the morning. I think of her watching Christmas movies, the Seahawks games, and listening to the best tunes with Char. I think of her baking up a chocolate cake. I think of our time together at a Christmas band concert, and how much she loved music. I also think of her stength, her endless supply of love, her laughter, and how she brought brightness and kindness with her whenever she went. Marion, you are missed and loved, and will never leave our hearts.

Marion...where do I begin? She truly has the most beautiful soul. We only had a few short years with her, but somehow it felt like she has been a part of us forever. We were beyond blessed to have her in our lives, even though it wasn't near long enough. Marion could light up the room with her beautiful smile and warm laughter. I will cherish every moment we got to spend with her. I will miss our visits and her wonderful stories and wisdom. I will hold close to my heart the wonderful times we spent together as a family. Laughing around the dinner table, watching Leah sing and perform musical pieces for us. The joy it brought Marion and all of us. I think of the last time they came over for dinner and Leah sang both parts of "For Good" from Wicked. The lyrics are so very true, ..."because I knew you, I have been changed for good". Char and Marion are our family and we love them both dearly. Thank you, my beautiful friend Char, for sharing your mom with so many. We are so grateful that you came into our lives.

Marion was one of the kindest persons I have ever known. She was an accomplished writer, musician, and artist, who had a particular insight into the hearts of others. Those in her life who experienced her caring and loving support and advice (and the most fascinating conversations!) must replace our reliance on her rare intuition with the relish of her recollection, of the loving kindness that was, and has passed, but will never disappear. We love you always, Marion.

So sad to hear of Marion's passing. What a loving, wonderful woman! She had such a wonderful manner and elegance to her. Always a kind word delivered with a warm smile. Marion had such a warm heart and gentle spirit. I know she will live on in the hearts and memories of all who came in contact with her. Marion you raised a wonderful laughter in Char who is carrying on your legacy of loving kindness.

I met Marion when she was 80 and still full of life. I enjoyed hearing her stories about being a military wife. She and Char met me occasionally at Cafe Mecca for breakfasts and lively conversation. I had she and Char over to my apartment occasionally to see a movie about Blacks & Whites solving problems together. I knew she had cancer, but she never talked about it. She was always a wonderful person and great fun to be with. I will miss her!

Marion was a pure joy to know and love. I will miss her tremendously. Her positive attitude, giving and caring nature, sass, and love of life were contagious. She made friends everywhere she went, and had a way of making you feel like "family" if you had the honor of knowing her long. I am blessed that she considered me sort of an adopted daughter. I will carry close to my heart, the fond memories of our times together. Love you Marion!