Marilyn Jean Chase

  It is with much sadness that the family announces the passing of Marilyn Jean Chase at the age of 76.  Over the last year of her life Marilyn fought hard to beat the unfortunate diagnosis of a rare blood cancer, Myelodysplastic Syndrome Del 5q, which progressed to Leukemia.  Despite the best efforts of her doctors, all possible forms of treatment failed.  She passed away peacefully at home with her family all by her bedside on April 2, 2024.  She is survived by her husband Donald O. Chase.  Her children, Donna M. Eklund and Matthew A. Chase.  Her granddaughter, Kirsten D. Eklund.  Her sisters, Patricia Deiotte and Susan Scanga.  Her brother, William Scanga.  Her niece, Mandy Boyd and husband, Ken, and their children, Phoenix and Persephone Boyd.  Her nephew, Jeff Deiotte.  Her aunt Eleanor Swadlo.

Marilyn was born on February 12, 1948 in McKees Rocks, PA to her parents Frank and Frances Scanga.  Her father was in the military so the family moved quite often around the country, finally settling in Oak Harbor where Marilyn graduated from high school.  Soon after she met Don, and they were married on July 7th, 1967 and enjoyed almost 57 years of marriage.

Marilyn was a devoted and loving wife and mother.  She worked hard all her life to care for the needs of her family.  Outside the home,  she worked for many years to help support her family as a medical secretary.  She was always appreciated as a diligent worker and enjoyable coworker.  Inside the home, she, along with Don, lovingly and patiently trained their children to become responsible adults.  Watching and learning from her strong work ethic has benefited her children greatly.

Marilyn adored babies and children.  To see them and watch their antics always brought a smile to her face.  She was always willing to give of her time and energy to help care for other’s children when she heard of a need.  Kindly and generously thinking of special activities they could do together or small gifts she could give to make the kids happy.  And so it was with great joy that Marilyn did the same with her only grandchild, Kirsten.  On a weekly basis throughout much of her life, they enjoyed each other’s company, sharing many wonderful memories and formed a special bond.

Marilyn was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend.  Her passing has left a huge void but with beautiful memories to hang on to.  She is dearly missed by all who knew her.

For My Beloved Grandma,

My grandma and I shared a very special relationship.  From as early as I can remember, she was there, and her house was like my second home.  I remember dachshunds, parakeets, bunnies, and many more pets.  I remember how much I loved playing around the garden and forested backyard.  Grandma always had such a beautiful garden, full of flowers and bird feeders.

We had a special day together every week.  She would pick me up from school and we would spend the afternoon together doing various activities.  Some of my favorite memories are of our road trips to Oak Harbor to visit my great aunt Patty, and great grandma Scanga.  We would always take the scenic route through the Skagit farmland and stop to pet the horses.

Grandma nurtured my love for nature.  For birds, dogs, rabbits, horses, and all other animals.  If she liked it, I liked it.  So, of course, I also developed a love for coffee.  Grandma loved to treat us to yummy coffee drinks after school.  She was so wonderful and fun.  She brought me flowers when I was sick.  Her cooking was always comforting, and her embrace always warm.  I miss her so much.

Loving Granddaughter,

Kirsten Eklund