She was born in Seattle on June 24, 1930 to James and Evelyn Bradford. She attended Montlake and Laurelhurst grade schools and graduated from Roosevelt High School.
Marilyn graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in Social Work. At the UW, she was a member of the Chi Omega sorority. While there, she also met her future husband, Donald J. Covey. They were married for over 65 years until his death in 2018.
Through the years, Marilyn was very involved with PTAs at View Ridge, Laurelhurst, Nathan Eckstein and Roosevelt High School. She volunteered with the Puget Sound Blood Center, Girl Scouts of America, Chi Omega sorority and was an active member of Sand Point Community United Methodist Church for over 60 years.
She loved attending the 5th Avenue Theater as much as summers at their lake cabin and lower Puget Sound. Along with Don, she avidly supported the Seattle Mariners, Seahawks, Husky football and basketball teams. The two also enjoyed many years of civic activities and travels together including the annual trek to Hawaii with their snorkeling and tennis friends. Being quite the team, they received the UW Alumni Association Distinguished Service Award in 1980. She left Seattle better than she found it.
Marilyn was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and volunteer. She rarely missed a scout meeting, game, or swim meet. And she thoroughly enjoyed popping popcorn, picking berries, cleaning fish and playing games with the kids and grandkids. The oysters she had to enjoy by herself.
She is survived by son Duane Covey (Debbie), daughter Linda Atkinson (Peter), son Brad Covey (Gretchen) and by grandchildren - Lauren Carson (Gary), Dana Jordan (Chad), Jiggs Love (Nico), Ashley Lund (Matt), Alyssa Gay, Alana Carlyle (John), Bryce Covey, Ford Covey (Kristin), and Teresa Covey - and by great-grandchildren - Olive, Gus, Sofia, James, Radley, Ella, Chase and Blakely. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Don, and by grandson Ryan Covey.
The family thanks the entire staff and fellow residents at Horizon House for their kindness and sharing. A special thanks also to the wonderful staff at Skyline for their patience, attention and care.
The family will be holding a private gathering in celebration of her life.
Donations may be made to Bloodworks Northwest or the charity of your choice.
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