Marilyn Kay (McMurray) Frandeen

Marilyn Kay McMurray Frandeen walked peacefully into the eternal light after succumbing to a long battle with cancer on January 19, 2022.

She was preceded in death by her former husband, Robert Frandeen.

She was born on February 16, 1948, in Montevideo, Uruguay, to her American missionary parents, Jessie and Mary Jo McMurray. She was the second of four children, including Candace (Benson), Jose ´ and Jaime McMurray. She quickly established herself as a precocious little girl. At the age of four she displayed a flair for music by making up songs on the piano. Her natural facility for music eventually led to playing the piano and organ in churches throughout the area. Her natural talents were displayed throughout her life, whether it be accompanying her first grade students in a recital or enriching Christmas get-togethers with song while family and friends joined in.

Not surprisingly, Marilyn, a person of intense self-determination, came to the United States alone at age 15, to attend Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee, Oklahoma. There, she earned a bachelor's degree and finished her university studies by the time most people are just beginning their studies! Marilyn's independent spirit brought her to California, where she eventually made Watsonville her home. She was hired in Watsonville in the early 70's to teach first grade at Radcliff Bilingual School. Marilyn's beautiful Spanish and her strong teaching skills were an asset to the school and to the district, establishing her as a strong educational leader. These and her interpersonal skills were the qualifiers for becoming a successful elementary school principal, and she served the Pajaro Valley Unified School District for many years.

As accomplished as Marilyn was, she was most proud of her four boys and their families: Alexander; Zachary, wife Larisa and grandson, Dominic; Nicholas and grandchildren Clayton, Stevie Mae and Vincent; and Kristopher, wife Megan and children Kaysei and Kash. They were the joy of her life and her face would light up when she talked about them. She cherished their every success, encouraged their efforts and supported them through their disappointments. She will be remembered by them as a fierce and loving mother.

Finally, all who knew Marilyn will remember her quiet strength, her self-effacing humor and a calm, reassuring demeanor. They will also remember that she enjoyed morning talks, over maté, with her sister, Candace; sitting on the sand, contemplating the ocean; lunch and dinner with friends and taking her grandchildren on a daily excursion to a museum, playground or any other child-centered activity. She will be missed not only by her children, grandchildren, sister and brothers, but the many people whose lives she touched. Rest in peace, sweet Marilyn. "If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever."

A celebration of Marilyn's life will be announced at a later date.

Published in The Pajaronian · February 17, 2022