Marilyn J. Eelkema

Marilyn Jeannette (Dehne) Eelkema passed away suddenly on Saturday, March 10, 2012, at San Juan Care Center in Anacortes.

Marilyn was born March 12, 1946, in Yakima to Merlin and Lorraine Dehne. She lived in several locations around the U.S. as her father served in the Navy. They came back to Oak Harbor where Marilyn attended high school, graduating in 1964. She then enrolled in Everett School of Nursing and completed her nursing certificate. She was hired by Skagit Valley Hospital were she worked for three years.

In 1967, she married Stan Eelkema and they made their home in Oak Harbor. She was one of the first nurses hired for the opening of Whidbey General Hospital where she worked for several years, and then taught in the LPN program for Skagit Valley College for 17 years. She then returned to Whidbey General to work in Labor and Delivery and taught birthing classes for the hospital.

Marilyn attended First Reformed Church in Oak Harbor with her husband and children. She was actively involved in the youth ministry of the church and Women’s Bible studies. She was the nurse for several years for church camp at Moran State Park. She was an avid sewer and was known for her large vegetable garden and canned goods.

In 1990, Marilyn suffered an aneurism that left her unable to continue in her nursing career. Her husband cared for her the past 20 years, striving to give Marilyn a comfortable life given her circumstances. The highlight of her last 18 years was her grandchildren. They brought her much joy and a smile always appeared at the mention of her grandkids.

Marilyn is survived by her husband Stan of Oak Harbor; daughter Carolyn and son-in-law David Fakkema of Blaine; son Steven and daughter-in-law Julie of La Quinta, Calif.; and of course her grandchildren James, Jon, Josh, Emma, Gabe and Brooklyn. She also leaves her siblings Karen (Doug) Bissell of Yakima, Doug (Kathy) Dehne of Lynden and Bonnie (Dennis) Wright of Oak Harbor.

Marilyn will be remembered for her calm manner of teaching whether in the classroom with students or alongside a young mother in Bible study, her quiet presence and comfort for those struggling with the end of life, and her encouragement for new mothers in the hospital. She was “Mom Eelkema” to many including the foster children that she and husband Stan cared for over the years.

A Celebration of Life was held in honor of Marilyn on Thursday at First Reformed Church in Oak Harbor.