Marlene Grace Lopp passed away July 19, 2021, in Olympia, Washington, her home of 47 years. She was born Nov. 19, 1946, to Donald and Elaine Palmer in Tillamook, Oregon. She also lived in Aberdeen, Washington (1953-1969), and Elma, Washington.

Marlene attended Aberdeen’s Weatherwax High School (1961-1965), Grays Harbor Community College (1965-1967), and received a bachelor’s degree in education from Washington State University in Pullman, Washington.

Professionally, Marlene taught history at Elma High School and worked for the State of Washington in human resources for the Department of Personnel, Department of Transportation, and State Parks and Recreation. She retired from state employment on July 1, 2005, with 28 years of service.

She loved gardening, scrapbooking, interior decorating and dancing with the Wrinkles of Washington senior ladies dance/drill team. She was an avid reader, cat lover; and big collector of stamps, spoons, Barbies and Beanie Babies. She was a No. 1 fan of Neil Diamond, Kevin Costner, the WSU Cougars and the Seattle Mariners. She also put up over 20 themed Christmas trees each year, at least one in every room.

Marlene was a member of Beta Sigma Phi service sorority, helping underprivileged women; St. Michael Parish in Olympia; St. Mary Parish in Aberdeen; and the Olympia Garden Club since 2005, where she had been installed as president for the 2021-2023 term.

She is survived her son, Brian Lopp (Lauren) of Olympia; daughter, Stephanie Lopp Welliver (Jack) of Olympia; grandchildren: Joshua, Brady and Christian Larson; Paiton Jensen; and Samantha and Drew Lopp; brother, David Palmer (Maryann) of Aberdeen; niece, Andrea Bruce; and nephew, Joseph Palmer. She was predeceased by her parents; paternal grandparents, Wesley and Clara Palmer; maternal grandparents, Fred and Mary Prosser; her dog, Bear and many beloved cats.

There will be a memorial Mass Friday, Sept. 10, 2021, 2:30 p.m.at St. Michael Parish, 1208 11th Ave., Olympia, WA 98501. Reception will follow at Tumwater Historical Park. Memorial donations may be made to St. Michael Parish Olympia Community Outreach Fund.

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