Marlene Cox Gottfried April 18, 1938 - November 3, 2020

Marlene passed away at home with family by her side on November 3, 2020 from lung cancer.

Marlene was born April 18, 1938 in Conrad, Montana to Florence (Hamilton) and James Cox.  

Marlene grew up in Kevin, Montana and graduated from North Toole County High School in 1956 .  She attended Rocky Mountain College in Billings, MT then transferred and graduated from Montana State College in 1961 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Commerce.  Prior to graduating she and 2 friends bicycled though Europe in 1958.  The adventures from this trip made a life time of cherished memories and flamed her love for travel.

Marlene spent 20 years as a military wife- she claims to have changed diapers in 13 countries. Her final military move was to Fort Lewis, WA. She has lived in the Tacoma area (Fircrest, University Place)  since.

After being  a home maker for years she decided it was time to enter the work force. Marlene proved herself to be a valuable employee. With her  dedication and willingness to learn she opened several doors to career opportunities . She has never forgotten the employers that gave her a chance when she first started out. She retired as the Business Manager for KCPQ. Marlene started with KCPQ when they were a small TV station located at Clover Park Technical College. She was apart of the team that moved KCPQ from Clover Park in Lakewood  to their current location on Lake Union in Seattle.  She retired in 1999 when the drive to Seattle (in her red Mustang convertible) became too much.

She took full advantage of her retirement and traveled the world! She achieved her goal of visiting all 7 continents and met so many wonderful people. Some of her best traveling buddies were people she had met while traveling.  Marlene played bridge socially and formally and earned her Life Master in Bridge in the Americas Contact Bridge League. One of her social bridge groups has been together over 40 years.   She played bridge at least 3 times a week with her bridge family until COVID hit. 

Marlene was an avid reader and she loved a good history book.  Along with her bridge groups she was involved in several books clubs. She loved to learn and challenge herself.  

Marlene was known as “Mamar” to her grandchildren and all of their friends. Mamar loved her grandchildren and her great grandchild. Being a grandma was her best and favorite role.  Mamar attended every school and sporting event of her grandchildren that she could. Her granddaughter played volleyball for Western Washington University in Bellingham and she didn’t miss a home game. She would travel a total of 5 hours round trip to watch the games in person.  Mamar loved to make holidays memorable with special touches for all her grandchildren.

She is proceeded in death by her brother, James Cox,Jr., Mother Florence (Hamilton)Cox and Father James Cox, Sr.

Marlene is survived by her children: Daniel Gottfried of Las Vegas NV, Dana (Rick) Hutchinson Of University Place, WA, Bo (Michelle) Gottfried of Eugene Oregon. Grandchildren: Kyle, Samantha, Michael, TJ & Austin. Great Grandson Carter.

In respect of her wishes no service will be held.  Per her request her ashes will be spread by family this summer at East Glacier Park, Montana, her favorite place.

Donations can be made to American Cancer Society or Multicare Hospice in her honor.

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