Marilyn Maxine Faustino
February 2, 1933 – October 23, 2023

Marilyn Maxine Faustino passed away in her home on October 23, 2023 at the age of 90.

Marilyn was born and raised in Eureka and was a proud member of the Yurok Tribe. She was a mother first and foremost, but worked as a prep cook and a server most of her life. She was very proud to have worked at both the Carson Mansion and the Eureka Inn for many years.

Marilyn was a loving and dedicated wife, mother, auntie, grandmother and friend to many. She made sure everyone had their needs taken care of and were prepared for anything and everything. People were drawn to her voice, her laughter and her exuberant personality. She knew how to make people laugh everywhere she went. Everyone fell in love with Marilyn and could not get enough of her.

Whether you were family or not, most everyone called her Grams, she loved it and would introduce herself that way as well! She loved all the kiddos and would welcome them in like her own. Truly the best Grandma!

In Marilyn’s younger years she and her husband George were members of the local Elks Lodge, where they spent many days and nights attending events and enjoying the company of their friends. As they got older they turned their passion to Bingo; you would see them both at Cher-ae Heights just about every night of the week sitting at the same table in the same spot. Marilyn was known around the Bingo hall as ‘Big Mama Big Winner’!

Marilyn loved the casinos and would take trips to Reno often with friends and family over the years; and hit up every casino possible when traveling. As a matter of fact, the traveling was planned around what casinos they would be stopping to gamble at!

Marilyn enjoyed sewing, cross stitch and crocheting. She spent hours and hours making large afghans for many family members and friends. She was very crafty and made a variety of things including earrings, clothing, button dolls, ceramics, pot holders, ornaments and too many more to list. She loved painting wooden birdhouses and other pieces of wooden art that her husband would make himself. She asked him to make it and he did; then she put on the finishing touches. She loved creating and did this most of her life with friends and family as well. Marilyn was very fond of cooking and was also an amazing baker. She loved to make applesauce from her apple trees, zucchini bread fresh from the garden, cookies of all sorts and of course her special Hello Dollies.

She is survived by her children Tina Stachel and Tracy Faustino; grandchildren Desiree Faustino, Tara Faustino, Tracy A Faustino, Amanda Faustino, Jason Omholt, Suntalena Downs and Jessie Sky Downs, Michael Frost and Herman Smith; great grandchildren Andrea Lillian, Natalie Layla, Nova Lynn, Jordan Trystan, Anthony Lee, Ellie Anabella, and Malia Rose; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Marilyn loved spending time with her nieces and nephews Linda O’Neill, Pam Malloy, Rhonda Taylor, Michael Ward and Sandra Bebe. They held a special place in her heart and have quite the stories to tell of their times together.

She is preceded in death by her husband of over 60 years George Faustino. Her father and mother George Henry Quinn and Irene Quinn-Ferris. She was the last surviving sibling of 11 children: Grace, Eleanor, MargEdith, George (Chub),Verna, Glen (Mickey), Robert (Bob) and Arlene (Leenie). As well as her son Fred Downs and daughter Vicky Johnson. Her close friend and niece Dixie Taylor.

The family wishes to thank her amazing caretakers as well as Hospice of Humboldt who all helped so much with her care near the end. More than words can express.

Marilyn will be missed by many but memories of her will forever be with us.

We will have a graveside service at Oceanview Cemetery on Saturday, November 4 at 3 p.m., and a funeral reception to follow at our house in Eureka.

###