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BORN
1934
DIED
2025
Marilyn Lee Obituary
November 29, 1934 - May 31, 2025
Marilyn Marie Lee (Nagel), a lifelong Californian and cherished member of the Petaluma community, passed away peacefully on May 31, 2025, at the age of 90.
Born on November 29, 1934, in Barstow, California, Marilyn truly embodied the spirit of her home statenever living anywhere else. She graduated from the University of Redlands in 1956 with a degree in Education and went on to shape the lives of countless young students as a dedicated and passionate kindergarten teacher. Her early teaching years were spent in Mill Valley, and for over 20 years she served at Happy Day Preschool at Petaluma's Presbyterian Church, where she also helped develop early literacy programs for young learners.
Marilyn married the love of her life, Jack Lee, on July 29, 1961. They shared over four decades together until Jack's passing in 2003. Together, they raised two sons: Russell Lee (Sybille) of Munich, Germany, and Eric Lee (Jessica) of Petaluma, California. She was a loving and proud grandmother to Grace and Helen in Munich, and Gavin in Petaluma.
A gifted musician, Marilyn's passion for piano and organ was central to her life. She began playing piano at age 5 and continued for 85 years. For over five decades, she played the organ and accompanied choirs and congregations, most notably at Elim Lutheran Church in Petaluma, where she served as organist for more than 30 years. She also taught private piano lessons to students of all ages in Petaluma for 25 years, nurturing a love for music in others right up until the final months of her life.
Marilyn was also a proud and active member of Eastern Star for many years, and she will be remembered for her warm, gracious spirit. She had a way of making everyone feel welcome with kindness, music, and her ever-present smile.
A Celebration of Life will be held in her honor on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at Elim Lutheran Church in Petaluma.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the Elim Lutheran Church's music program, in memory of Marilyn's lifelong commitment to music and children.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Marilyn Lee
4 Entries
Jeff Ray
July 10, 2025
Marilyn was a kind and very talented person. For a few years we both performed mass music at St . Vincent´s Church. I will miss her.
Drew Lassen
June 8, 2025
Mrs. Lee was one of the most influential people in my life. I took piano lessons with her every week throughout elementary, middle, and high school. She taught me how to read music and nurtured an appreciation for a diverse history of music. She would even bring over pop charts such as Bohemian Rhapsody and 100 Years to keep me interested, songs I still play to this day.
I have completed degrees in music and have had a job in a music program for the last 10 years thanks for Mrs. Lee!
This week I will play on our Steinway grand piano in memoriam and appreciation of the greatest teacher ever, reading the sheet music that I still have with her diligent notes!
Love,
Drew Lassen
Sue and Gary Lassen
June 8, 2025
Marilyn was so important to our family, mostly to our son, Drew. She taught him piano/music for over 10 years. He owes his love of music and his musical career to her. It was a joy to have her at our home, every week.
Her favorite subject was talking about her grandkids, here and in Germany. We always enjoyed hearing about her trips.
She was a special lady and we so appreciate all that she has done. She is definitely an inspiration and we will cherish all our wonderful memories of her.
Rev. William Donahue
June 8, 2025
In addition to her work at Elim Lutheran Church, she was a faithful and cherished music minister at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, down the street from Elim. At 7:15 a.m. every Sunday morning up to the end, she shared her talent and exquisite musical taste with us. She was a beauty--inside and outside-- and she will be greatly missed. May she receive the reward of her goodness in this life, and may her family be consoled in their (and our) loss.
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