Marion Lindbloom Martin "She kept us laughing until the end" Marion was born May 14, 1918 in Mount Vernon Washington to John Lindbloom and Amanda Hanson Lindbloom, both from Swedish immigrant families. She passed away at 88 years of age of natural causes on December 11, 2006 at Skagit Valley Hospital, just blocks from her birthplace. She attended Mount Vernon Public Schools through high school graduation, and then went on to the University of Washington where she received a Bachelors Degree in English followed by a teaching certificate from Cheney Normal School, now Eastern Washington University. Marion Lindbloom married Ben Martin on June 6, 1943. Ben was her dear friend and sweetheart since the 6th grade, where alphabetic seating assignments and their mutual love of sports and games brought them together. At the time of their marriage World War II was in full swing, and Ben was between tours of duty at Guadalcanal and Guam so they honeymooned at El Toro Marine Base near San Diego until he was ordered back to the South Pacific. They returned to Mount Vernon after the war, and lived in Skagit Valley, primarily Mount Vernon, where they raised their family and lived for the rest of their 63 year marriage. After leaving the family home on Sunset Lane, Ben and Marion moved to Creekside Retirement Center in Burlington where they spent the last 5 years together, with old and new friends. Marion had a 25 year career as a teacher in Skagit County. She taught at Clear Lake School and Cascade Jr. High School in the Sedro-Woolley District, and Lincoln School and LaVenture Middle School in Mount Vernon. Her students remember her for her quick wit and sense of humor that kept them laughing while they were learning. A life long athlete, Marion was most passionate about golf. As a member of Skagit Golf and Country Club, she played at every opportunity. Marion enjoyed playing with friends and members of the women's group at Skagit, including her sister, Ellisann Michaelson, and with Ben and other couples. Marion was a women's club champion at Skagit, and scored a total of 3 hole in one's in her golfing days. After retirement Ben and Marion traveled with friends and played courses across the United States. Marion's second choice of game was Bridge, and she played with friends many evenings and Wednesday afternoons( no golf due to men's day at the Country Club) Marion and Ben were long time members of Salem Lutheran Church, and most proud of the lovely new building at Hoag and LaVenture Road. Marion loved the music and children's programs at the church. She would never miss a Sunday School or Vacation Bible School program. Watching the children come forward for the children's sermon was her favorite part of the service each Sunday. Marion is preceded in death by her parents, John and Amanda Lindbloom, her brother Donald Lindbloom, and sister Ellisann Michaelson. She is survived by her husband Ben Martin, children Jean Champagne of Mount Vernon, Gayle Hauntz (Jerry) of Kennewick, and Jerry Martin (Gail) of Mount Vernon, grandchildren Amy Wyman, Christian Champagne, Aaron Champagne,(Melissa) and Ben E. Martin, and one great-grandchild Aaron and Melissa's daughter Genevieve Champagne. Always a lover of children, grandniece Bayley Tesarik shared Marions love of Santa Clause and brought lots of joy to her life. Thanks to the staff and her friends at Creekside Assisted Living for helping Marion have a high quality of life in her last years. She thrived on all the attention and care given her. A celebration of Marion's life will be held at Salem Lutheran Church, 2529 N. LaVenture Road, Mount Vernon on Sunday, December 17. Please join the family and congregation for coffee hour at 12:00, with memorial service beginning at 1:00. Memorials may be made to the Youth or Music Programs of Salem Lutheran Church.