Marilynn Beverly (Lamb) Rivers

This is the obituary for an amazing woman, a force of nature, a caregiver, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend; Marilynn Beverly (Lamb) Rivers passed away peacefully and with family at home on August 21, 2023.

She was born on May 30, 1942, one of six daughters, to Earl and Margaret Lamb in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. She emigrated to the United States and to California, in 1951. Her family settled in Santa Cruz in 1956 and was raised in a house on River Street where now stands a shopping center, and where no Lamb descendant is allowed to shop.

As a youth, she was scrappy and beautiful. Not one to back down from fights, she was a leader from a young age and a defender of her sisters and family, a trait she never gave up. She left home early and to parts unknown. She met her first husband, Danny, and had three children. Finally settling back down in Santa Cruz to be near her family and raise her own, she called all parts of the county her home.

She worked in the restaurant business for much of her life and was remembered as an excellent waitress and local celebrity. In the last year, she could be best persuaded to not argue or scrap with you if taken to breakfast at the Red Apple or The Beach Street Cafe. When news of mom's stroke got around, a woman shared that when she was young, had just gotten married and had a baby, she and mom worked together as waitresses. Mom would often give her extra tables for the tips and then cash on the side to lessen her struggle. She told us how much it meant to her at the time and what a difference she had made in her life.

Mom loved her house and community in Watsonville, and all her neighbors. She cared for many in her home, including her dear friend Wally, her mother Margaret, and her friend and neighbor Shirley. She maintained her front yard as a gathering spot for neighbors and family, to sit and relax with a cup of coffee or just watch the clouds in the sky. Her home was her haven.

She was an entrepreneur and embraced the American tradition of independence and freedom. She took great pride in becoming a United States Citizen on June 18, 2016. She was an accomplished seamstress and owned a boutique clothing store in Soquel Village where she sold her own creations. She also co-owned a wetsuit company and designed and made wetsuits for local surfers. She owned an Art Gallery on 41st Avenue and had an amazing eye for local art and collectibles.

She loved to cook, and her warm pumpkin bread knew no season. Her recipe for shortbread cookies was amazing and made everyone happy when dozens of them showed up on plates and tins around the holidays.

She was preceded in passing by her parents and sisters Barbara and Virgina and her beloved dog CoCo. She is survived by her sisters Shirley, Karen, and Debbie. May she always know the depth of love and gratitude from her children: Tracey Peterson, Danielle Slater, and Brian (Peggy) Smart. Her grandchildren held a very special place with her, especially her "favorite": John (Jason) Peterson, Allison (Gene) Martinez, Ryan Peterson, M.E.G. Teramo, and Adair (Zach) Settles, and her great grandchildren; Nevaeh, Nellie, and Nala.

Mom chose to be cremated and her ashes will be creatively delivered at a later date. Her family wishes you to join in a celebration of her life and spirit at her house on Tuesday, September 5th at 4:00 PM.

In mom's spirit of giving and sharing, we ask that you bring bags, boxes, or even a U-Haul and take any items from her home that bring you joy and remembrance of her.

Mehl's Colonial Chapel was entrusted with the funeral arrangements.

Published in The Pajaronian · August 31, 2023