Nelle Marjean Cecil

Nelle Marjean Cecil died suddenly August 24, 2005 at Providence Everett Medical Center in Everett at the age of 74. She was born Oct. 10, 1930 in Falls City, Neb., to Guy and Beatrice (Sloss) Wilson. She was the youngest of five Wilson children. When her father, a Missouri Pacific railroad engineer, died in 1943, she and her mother moved to Richmond, Calif., to be with other family members.

Marjean graduated from Richmond Union High School where she was active as a cellist with the school orchestra and a type setter for the school paper. She met Norman Cecil shortly after moving to Richmond and they were married in 1948. Marjean became a military wife when Norman joined the Air Force in 1951. During the next 20 years with the military they lived in many parts of the United States as well as Europe and Asia.

After retiring from the Air Force, Marjean and Norman settled in Lamogordo, N.M., and started a water treatment business. They sold the business in 1990 and, after several years of visiting their son in the summers on Whidbey Island, they moved to Oak Harbor in 1999.

Marjean loved to sew and was known as The Doll Maker throughout the southwest having sold her dolls in Arizona, Texas, and New Mexico. She made many quilts and little girls dresses which she donated to charities in Oak Harbor. Marjean was an avid reader and must have read thousands of books in her lifetime.

Marjean is survived by her husband, and her only child, Marvin Keith Cecil of Oak Harbor, as well as four grand daughters, three great grand children, one sister, Joann of Clovis, Calif., and numerous nieces and nephews.

In keeping with her wishes, no services will be held. Memorial gifts may be made to WAIF Animal Shelter, 20168 SR 20, Coupeville. Arrangements under direction of Burley Funeral Chapel.