Marilyn Lee Townsend

Marilyn Lee Townsend of Pendleton, Oregon, passed away peacefully on February 18, 2024, at Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland, Washington.

Marilyn was born on March 21, 1943, to her parents, Milton and Thelma Townsend, long-time residents of Umatilla County.

Marilyn was a devoted Christian and congregation member, first at Calvary Baptist Church, which she attended for over fifty years, and then at Pendleton Free Methodist/Creekside Church for over twenty years.

In addition to being a faithful church member, Marilyn was actively involved in many Christian organizations in and around Pendleton, including the Pendleton Chapter of Christian Women’s Business Club, Dorcas Circle, Child Evangelism Fellowship, CEF Good News Clubs, and volunteering at PFMC.

For many years, Marilyn cleaned houses for various residents in Pendleton and was known as an avid walker - often walking from the North Hill to the Sherwood area where she lived.

Marilyn is also remembered for her amazing memory of names, dates, and events. Her memory never failed, and the family will dearly miss their historian.

In her later years, Marilyn lived at McKay Creek Estates Assisted Living surrounded by friends and staff whom she dearly loved and called her family.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, Milton and Thelma Townsend, her brother, Mike Townsend, and her sisters-in-law, Zelda, and Donna Townsend. She is survived by her sister, Marsha (Bob) Marcuson of Spokane, WA., her brother Steve Townsend of Umatilla, OR., her brother Mark (Kammi) Townsend of Pendleton, OR., and by eight nephews, one niece, five great-nephews, four great-nieces, and two great-great nieces who all live in the Northwest.

The family invites Marilyn’s many friends to join us for a celebration of life service on Saturday, March 16, at 11:00 am at Creekside Church, 1711 SW 44th Street, in Pendleton.