On Monday, May 3 ^rd , 2021, Burlington resident Marlene Rae Peterson died with her loving daughter Melody at her side. She was at the Skagit Valley Hospital during a brief illness.

Marlene is preceded in death by her parents and only sister Nola, her husband Gerald (2012) and son Mark Bernhof-Olsen (1983).  Marlene is survived by her son Clark Olsen (Michele), daughter Melody Peterson Derrossett (Todd); stepchildren: Patti Peterson Holmberg and Ronnie Peterson; Grandchildren: Camie Goldhammer, Joey Olsen, and Markus Derrossett; Great Grandchildren: Dylan and JoJo Goldhammer; Nephew: Melvin Sheldon, and Nieces: Nola Two Feathers and Tina Dillon.

Born on January 8th, 1933 in Redmond, Oregon to Thomas and Cora Heminger. Marlene graduated from Marysville High School in 1951 and moved to Portland, Oregon then to San Diego, California and worked in Office Administration.  Marlene later moved to Sedro Wooley where she began working at Skagit Steel. During this time, she met and married her husband Gerald Peterson and together they raised their children at their family home in Burlington.

Marlene was an enrolled member of the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate tribe and was born on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation in Oregon. Marlene's teen years were spent growing up on the Tulalip Indian Reservation near Marysville.  As a teen she was selected to serve on the Royal Court for the Marysville Strawberry Festival.

Marlene completed a picture puzzle (the big ones!) every day to keep her mind sharp.  Marlene was a Master Quilter and seamstress.  She passed on this skill to family and friends who showed interest, especially granddaughter Camie whom spent years under grandma's tutelage.

Marlene was skilled at so much more which includes sewing, baking, cooking, golfing, softball, and gardening.

Marlene had a warm and infectious smile that warmed the hearts of many and coupled with her fun-loving sense of humor was a true pleasure to spend time with. The Burlington Eagles was a mainstay on her social schedule where Marlene enjoyed meeting up with her friends for a friendly game of LRC.

Whether visiting Marlene in the morning, day or evening, her home was always spotless, inviting and cozy and always welcomed visitors. Marlene will be remembered lovingly as a beautiful, caring human being that enriched the lives of others.

A celebration of life will be held at a future date TBD.

Arrangements are in the care of Evans Funeral Chapel & Onsite Crematory Inc of Anacortes. To share memories of Marlene, please sign the online guestbook at www.evanschapel.com