Marlene Dawn Moran

On Wednesday evening, February 24, 2021 Marlene Dawn Moran, loving Wife and Mother of seven passed away at the age of 86 from natural causes.  I am honored to write her obituary and will not begin to do my mother justice.

Have you ever been touched by an Angel?

Marlene was born on December 28, 1934 in Winlock, WA to Rano and Louise Lasley. Our family joke was that Mom was hatched out of the “egg” that was by the “Winlock” sign as you came into town.  Mom had a good childhood as she explained to us that her house was the first to have a color TV on their block and although Rano had threatened to build a “bomb shelter” in the Roosevelt days of the early 40’s, luckily he never followed through.  Up until the end of her life she had clear memories of her past and always remembered all family members.  Marlene had one sister Judy, who had passed away a decade earlier.  Although they were not close due to the 14-year age difference, they both shared the love of Jesus and there is no doubt where they are today.

Marlene married Dick Moran on May 20, 1955, a Navy man, after attending college at Washington State University. They had only had one blind date 4 years earlier before Dick completed his Navy tour, after he returned 30 pounds heavier to rekindle their relationship.  Being Catholic, they proceeded to have their first 5 children in Renton, WA: Rick, Ron, Mike, Sean and Dan.  Marlene spent her time as a loving wife and home maker for the 5 less than angelic boys.  Later, she gave birth to Lisa and Seamus, who continued the blessings of completing our family.  After Renton, WA we moved to Goldendale, WA for a year, then down to Clovis, CA; Stallion Springs, CA; Peoria, AZ and their final destination, to Cypress, TX in 2006.  In addition to Marlene’s 7 children, she also leaves a Legacy of 20 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren.

Marlene had a passion for God, Family and her close friends.  She spent over 65 years with the love of her life.  She loved bragging about the accomplishments of her family.  Like Dick, she engrained hard work and ethics into her family which will go on for generations.  She loved reading the Bible, talking on the phone, Tea Houses, hot fudge sundaes, the color purple, scarves and hats, collecting crosses, coffee, telling others about Jesus, Christian music, family reunions, “liking” 10 year old photos on Facebook and her good friends at the YMCA.  Mom passed peacefully with Seamus and Lisa by her side, with Christian music in the background.  She was bed ridden the last year of her life, losing the use of her arms and legs, but never once complained about her situation instead always telling me that “God has a reason for me being here” and “there are other people in this world that are much worse off than me”. She was the best Born-Again Christian I have ever been around, accepting Jesus when we were children, making her the “Best” Mother that any person could ever ask for.  She is in a better place now catching up with Dad, her parents and sister, make no mistake she is with Jesus.

Angelic; of or relating to Angels, resembling, or suggestive of, an angel (as in purity, holiness, innocence, or beauty).  Many words describe Marlene Moran, but most would agree that “Angelic” fits best.  The Legacy and foundation of the Moran family is the greatest gift she left us.  Her faith, Love for all, positivity, and selfless actions will forever speak volumes and leave the most beautiful memories in our hearts.  We were all touched by an angel by knowing Mom.

We love you Mom and will miss you every day, we will continue to make you proud and will await the day when we can get you updated on all the stories you’ve missed.

Marlene is survived by her children Rick, Ron, Mike, Sean, Dan, Shay and her daughter Lisa, 20 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren.