Marilyn Ann Hagar passed away on April 19 at the age of 84. She has been doctoring for her heart most all of her life. Marilyn was born in Eureka, to Walter and Elna Irene Hagar. Both of her parents were natives, having also been born in Eureka.

She had a happy childhood and spent a lot of time at her grandparents’ chicken farm on Hubbard Lane and camping at Riverside Park with the Swede-Finn kids from the Order of Runeberg Lodge. When fifteen years old her parents bought a summer cabin on the Van Duzen River.

Marilyn graduated from Eureka High School in 1958 and attended Humboldt State College, receiving a bachelor’s degree in education in 1962. After teaching at the old Franklin School for two years, she then attended the University of Wisconsin for a masters degree in psychology.

She taught primary children in the Palo Alto Unified School District for thirty-four years, retiring in 2000. Her years in Silicon Valley followed the development of computers as a classroom tool. She was an excellent, caring and much sought-after teacher.

After the passing of her father in 1969, Marilyn lived in two places — working in Palo Alto, visiting in Eureka with her mother. The two of them traveled to Hawaii, Mexico and Michigan. On one very special summer long journey to all of Scandinavia, they met never seen relatives. All of the Swedish speaking grandparents were born in Finland with six or seven siblings each. My what relatives did she find!

After retiring and after her mother’s death, she moved home to Eureka. Nothing delighted her more than traveling the world. She visited sixty-five countries on all continents. Most friends would usually ask, “Where are you going next?” Covid-19 put a halt to her travels.

Between traveling she was active in many organizations such as the Redwood Empire Quilt Guild, the American Association of University Women and the local California Retired Teachers Association to name a few.

Special thanks go out to Timber Ridge Eureka and her next-door neighbor. The Marilyns looked out for each other for twenty-five years.

A graveside memorial service will be held at Sunset Memorial Park at a later date followed by a get together at Marilyn’s house.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Hospice of Humboldt are appreciated.