Marilyn Jean O'Meara

Marilyn Jean O'Meara, born on October 14, 1943, in Port Townsend to Marion and Rueben Schauer, passed away peacefully at the place she cherished most- home on February 15, 2025, surrounded by the warmth of loving memories and the embrace of her family. 

Marilyn’s early life was enriched with fond memories of growing up in Spokane, WA, as well as treasured time spent at her grandma's house on the Hood Canal. These experiences played a significant role in shaping her compassionate and nurturing disposition throughout her life.

She graduated from Port Angeles High School in 1961 and soon married and had 3 children: David (Kenny), Brian and Michele. Marilyn divorced in 1968, remarried and divorced again after a short time. 

Marilyn's professional journey began at Peninsula College in Port Angeles, where she served as the Secretary to the Dean of Students. 

It was in Port Angeles that Marilyn met the love of her life, Tom, across a smoke-filled bar room. They fell in love and were married on September 7, 1977. This started a long-time love affair of many adventures for 47 years.

Marilyn’s profound sense of accomplishment was evident in her ability to overcome challenges and create a loving home for her family. She proudly bought her first house in Sequim, a significant milestone that marked the transition of her family from the Projects of Port Angeles to a new beginning filled with promise.

In the early 1980's they moved to Seattle where Tom worked construction. Marilyn continued her career in higher education administration at the University of Washington and later at Shoreline Community College. 

She grew weary of city life and longed to get back to the Olympic Peninsula. In 1990 they bought a lot in Port Ludlow and sold their home in Seattle to move back home. A financial whiz, she played a crucial role in enabling her husband, Tom, to custom build not one, but three homes, each a testament to their dreams and aspirations.

 Ultimately, she retired from Alaska Power and Telephone in Port Townsend, leaving a positive impact on all those she worked with during her extensive career.

Marilyn was a voracious reader, an avid gardener with a noted green thumb, and she cherished her time spent at the beach. Her dedication to her hobbies was matched only by her commitment to her family. She caught wanderlust fever and started to map out a travel plan wish list. For the next 40 years she planned trips and excursions both overseas and domestic. She loved to travel and meet new people.

Marilyn is survived by her beloved husband, Tom; sons Kenny Gaboury (wife Angie) and Brian Gaboury (wife Kathy); daughter Michele Swan (husband Jay); grandchildren Cassaundra Schauer, Joseph Meyering, and Michael Meyering; and two great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her brother, Jim Schauer, and sister, Marie Schauer.

She leaves behind a family united in grief yet filled with gratitude for the time shared and the memories made. Marilyn Jean O'Meara will be deeply missed yet fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A Celebration of Life will be scheduled for late Spring/early Summer. In lieu, of flowers the family requests donations be made to ECHO or Jefferson Healthcare Hospice. Family and friends may share memories of Marilyn and sign the online guestbook.