Marilyn Jean Smithson
Sept. 21, 1927-Jan. 21, 2015
La Selva Beach, California

Marilyn Jean (Anderson) Smithson died peacefully surrounded by her family on Jan. 21. She was 87. Born in Walla Walla, Washington, she grew up in Tacoma and graduated from the University of Washington in 1950. She married Luther (Bud) Smithson in 1956 and moved to California where she raised her family.

She was always an active community member ?- serving on the Palo Alto PTA for many years and as one of the original community gardeners at the Community Garden in Palo Alto. She also created the Art Drop In at Garland Elementary and was instrumental in the first years of PAPPA (Palo Alto Parents and Professionals for Art) to support the arts for children. Her home was the local election polling place for years, and she campaigned tirelessly for candidates from Pete McCloskey to Hillary Clinton, canvassing and writing letters to get out the vote. She was a teacher's aide at Garland and Jordan Middle School for many years, retiring in 1992.

She was an amazing gardener known for her heirloom tomatoes, raspberries and string beans. Her other gardening passion was collecting rare azaleas and Japanese maple trees, and her garden was always a showcase of design and beauty. She loved to cook and was admired for her fresh and simple recipes made from the bounty of her garden. She was an avid reader and a member of multiple book clubs both in Palo Alto and La Selva Beach. After moving to La Selva Beach, she became an ardent supporter of the La Selva Beach Library, forming the LSB Friends of the library to help sustain the local community branch during budget cuts.

Above all, she was an amazing mother and grandmother who led many art and craft creations, baking parties, gardening projects and holiday celebrations ?- the Fourth of July being a favorite! She will be missed.

She is survived by her husband of 58 years, daughter and son-in-law Kristina and Julian Grantz, and son and daughter-in law Paul and Britt Smithson. She also leaves her beloved grandchildren Hannah Grantz, Kyra Grantz, Hunter Smithson and Carys Smithson. She is also survived by her brother and sister-in-law Paul and Joyce Anderson, nephew David and niece Mary, brother-in-law Wade Smithson, and nephews David and Todd. The outpouring of love and support from her loyal friends from both Palo Alto and La Selva Beach have been so appreciated over the years. The family also wishes to thank the wonderful caregivers in her life these last two years and Hospice of Santa Cruz for providing peace and comfort in her last days.