Sylvia M Foreman

Heaven became infinitely more beautiful on August 8, 2011 when Sylvia Marie Foreman (Marinelli) joined her parents and daughter to rest. At the time of her passing, she was surrounded by her husband, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was born August 15, 1931, grew up in Wilkeson and attended Lincoln High School in Tacoma.

On New Year's Eve 1945, she met a young enlisted soldier, Ules Grant Foreman, at the Crystal Ball Room in Tacoma. At midnight he stole her heart with a kiss on her cheek. After his service ended, they corresponded between his home in North Carolina and hers in Tacoma. She carried a photo of him everywhere she went - even for quick trips upstairs. They were reunited just in time for their wedding on August 28, 1948 - 64 years ago this month.

As a young couple they built their first home on South Hill and raised a son, Ronald and daughters Linda, Tina and Sandra. Each of the girls shared their mother's middle name, Marie, and the name has been passed down many times to two more generations.

Sylvia was an amazing homemaker but she also worked hard outside the home to help her family live the American dream. For years she worked for cannery, having retired in .

When their youngest child, Sandy, passed away in 1990, Sylvia and Grant raised two of her daughters, Krystal and Kacey. For the past 21 years Sylvia has been a wonderful mother to them and they are forever grateful.

In 1992 they moved into their dream home in downtown Puyallup which overlooked the fairgrounds. It had taken more than nine years to build but was worth the wait. Sylvia and Grant spent many happy hours enjoying the sights, smells and sounds of the Fair.

Sylvia's death was also preceded by her parents, Joseph and Martha (Webb) Marinelli. She is survived by her husband, children Ron, Linda (Royce) Melvin and Tina (Stanley) Holman, ten grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, brother Don (Pat) Marinelli and his family.

Instead of a formal service, a family gathering will be held on at the home of her granddaughter, Krystal Roe. Sylvia's family was the most important part of her life and we'll remember her in the tradition of our countless family gatherings and celebrations. At her request, she will be cremated and her ashes will be interred at Sumner Cemetery. Our family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at Good Sam for taking wonderful care of her during the past two weeks and for helping us find a way to say goodbye. We also wish to extend our appreciation to Pastors Barb and Rick Jacobs for their prayers and support.