In loving memory of Marilyn Jean Blackburn

Marilyn Jean Blackburn, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, peacefully passed away on August 15, 2026 in Eureka. Born on March 30, 1948, in Olympia, Washington, Marilyn grew up in a household that was anything but ordinary. Her mother, Doris Hunter, filled the home with an unforgettable menagerie of animals that are now part of the family lore. There was a monkey who kept everyone on their toes, a mischievous myna bird who insisted on bathing in the fish tank, “Lambert,” the sheep who politely knocked on the front door with his hoof when he wanted to come inside and “Rembrandt,” the bulldog who didn’t bite — he just “ran into you with his teeth.” Those early years shaped Marilyn’s lifelong love of animals. The sleepovers at the Hunter house were wildly entertaining and made for some memorable stories.

Marilyn spent her youth in Eureka, graduating from Eureka High School in 1966. Not long after, she stepped into one of her proudest roles: becoming a single mother to her daughter, Angela (born of her marriage to James G. Allen). In 1975, through sheer determination and grit, Marilyn accomplished something extraordinary when she bought her first home while raising Angela on her own. It was a milestone she cherished for the rest of her life, a symbol of her independence and devotion to her daughter.

Marilyn later found love again with Norman Blackburn, with whom she shared many joyful years until his passing in 2022. During their retirement, Marilyn and Norman embraced a life of movement and adventure, leaving Eureka for Weaverville, Yuma, Las Vegas and Redding before Marilyn returned home to Eureka in 2025. Along the way, they collected memories as well as lifelong friends who became part of their extended family.

Some of Marilyn’s happiest memories were made at Trinity Lake, surrounded by friends, family, sunshine and the kind of simple joys that become lifelong stories. She loved the easy days on the water just as much as the chaotic ones — dead boat motors, roadside RV strandings and all the unpredictable tribulations that come with lake life. Those adventures became part of her family’s stories, retold with laughter for decades.

Family was always at the center of Marilyn’s world. She leaves behind her daughter Angela Harder (Keven); her step‑children Teresa Peters (John) and Richard Blackburn (Wendy); her grandchildren Tanner and Hunter Circe, Brandon and Greysen Blackburn and Julia and Matthew Peters; and seven great‑grandchildren. Marilyn is also survived by her sisters, Phyllis Parke and Suzy Mott, and by her nieces and nephews: Daron Birnbaum, Rozlin, Lizbeth, and Thomas Mott, and Jarah and Justin Parke. She had seven great-nieces and nephews and a great-great niece and nephew.

Marilyn was deeply rooted in her faith, participating in the First Covenant Church in Eureka and the Church of the Nazarene in Weaverville. Her kindness and gift of making everyone feel welcome made her a cherished presence in every community she touched.Marilyn’s life was a testament to resilience, love, humor and the strength of a woman who gave her all to the people she cherished. Her stories and laughter will live on in every life she touched. Marilyn would want us all to seize the moment, take the trip and not wait - because some of life’s best memories begin with an adventure.

Her family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Timber Ridge and the Hospice House of Humboldt for their compassionate care. Donations can be made to Hospice of Humboldt in Marilyn’s memory.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Details will be shared once they are finalized.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Marilyn Blackburn’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.