Marilyn A. Gudmundsen

Marilyn Alice Gudmundsen, 83, of Rosburg, died on October 30, 2014 at Hospice Care Center in Longview.

Marilyn was born in Chicago, Illinois, to Walter and Alice (Schmidt) Forster on July 27, 1931. She graduated high school in 1949 and received her degree in nursing in 1952. She moved to Santa Monica, Calif., where she was employed at St. John's Hospital for several years. She and her friend Robbie enjoyed vacationing on merchant ships where she met Georg Gudmundsen, whom she married on June 20, 1959.

She and Georg resided in New Jersey and California before moving to Grays River upon Georg's retirement from his life work as a ship captain in the merchant marines.

Though Georg was content on the farm in Grays River, Marilyn had a thirst for travel which continued after Georg preceded her in death in 1992. She had an adventurous spirit and curiosity about other cultures. She treasured her travels, her family and her many friends. Marilyn truly enjoyed the food and customs of places she visited. She especially enjoyed visiting her son Tor and his family and friends on Guam where she was affectionately known as "Mamasan."

Marilyn was a woman who was interested in others, as well. She enjoyed volunteering in schools and using her nursing skills as a volunteer. She was a reporter of the Downriver Dispatches for The Wahkiakum County Eagle for many years and was active in community life. She was a member of the Grays River Grange, Grays River Methodist Church and past member of the Rosburg Community Club and various other local organizations over her years. She was an avid tea drinker and enjoyed genealogy, singing and writing. Her life was full and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Marilyn is survived by her son Eric (Jennifer) and grandchildren Sierra, Noah and Miles of Puyallup; son Tor and granddaughter Miwa of Guam; son Jon (Stephanie) and grandchildren Emily, Hayden and Taylor of Grays River; a brother Mark Forster (Mary) and two nieces, Mari and Marla, all of Seattle; her niece Brenda of Vancouver, BC, and many nieces and nephews in Norway. Two special friends also survive Marilyn, Doris "Robbie" Robertson of Santa Monica, Calif., and Angela Ryan of Walnut Creek, Calif.

A celebration of Marilyn's life will be held on Saturday, November 8 at Grays River Methodist Church at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Grays River Fire and Ambulance Foundation at P.O. Box 5, Grays River, WA 98621 or Community Hospice, P.O. Box 2067, Longview, WA 98632. Dowling Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.