Marilyn Welch Monkman

1929 – 2015

Marilyn Welch Monkman, of Bainbridge Island, Washington, passed away on August 8, 2015. Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Forest C. Monkman, Jr., her parents, John Henry Welch and Mary Quinn Welch, and by her two sisters, Carmen (Welch) Clark and Janet Anne Welch. Marilyn is survived by her son, Richard D. Monkman and his wife Tina Kobayashi of Juneau, Alaska and Honolulu, Hawaii, and their two sons, Tatsu and Forest; her daughter Martha Monkman of Bainbridge Island, Washington and her son, Aaron; her daughter, Tracy Bury and her husband Dieter Bury of Bellevue, Washington, and their children, Sebastian and Clarissa; and her son, Edward C. Monkman, of Juneau, Alaska.

Marilyn was born in Detroit, Michigan and raised in Newton, Massachusetts. She graduated from Radcliffe College in 1951, and married Forest Monkman, whom she met during college. Marilyn worked as a Biologist at the Harvard University Biology Department, until she and Forest started their family. Marilyn and Forest lived in several states during their marriage, and retired to Bainbridge Island, Washington in 1994. Marilyn was drawn to the area because of the natural beauty and close proximity to her children and grandchildren, whom she loved dearly. Marilyn played bridge since college and was involved in several bridge playing groups during her retirement, was a voracious reader, enjoyed sailing, and traveled all over the world with Forest. Marilyn had a wonderful sense of the absurd, a gracious spirit, and maintained a positive outlook during her declining years.

At her request she was cremated and there will be no formal service. A remembrance gathering to celebrate Forest and Marilyn’s lives will be held in late September at their home. In lieu of flowers, Marilyn would have loved for a donation to be made to the Kitsap Regional Library.