Edna Marlene Escalona

Beloved by community and family, Edna Marlene Escalona passed away peacefully to join her Lord on December 29, 2015. Born and raised in Bremerton, Marlene raised her own children in Bremerton and continued to live an active life surrounded by family, friends, and her church community.

Marlene was born on May 14, 1936. Her parents were Pedro (Pete) Francisco and Edna Cook. Marlene spent a lot of her early years with grandparents, Augusta and Jim Cook, on Cambrian Street and also attended Hillcrest Elementary School which is only 2 blocks away from where Marlene's and her husband Adam's family home is today.

After attending Coontz Junior High and graduating from Bremerton High in 1953, Marlene worked in various companies in Seattle. Raising five children took up a lot of Marlene's energy and time but she managed to attend night classes at Olympic College. She worked the graveyard shift in Medical Records at Harrison Memorial Hospital while her children slept and was home in time to feed them breakfast and pack their lunches for school. Marlene's ambition led her to a career at the Bremerton School District employed as a school secretary in various schools, librarian staff at Coontz Junior High and eventually as a secretary for the district office. She made many lifelong friendships at the school district and enjoyed the monthly secretary lunches. Marlene was nominated and served for several years on the Washington State Library Board. She retired from Bremerton School District with a warm celebration at the district office and she could always identify her car by the license plate cover identifying her as a Bremerton School District Retiree.

Marlene's heritage was Scandinavian and Filipino. She embraced both cultures by celebrating with cooking, culture and social activities with her children. She loved the art of Carl Larsson and enrolled her children in Filipino Folk Dance. She was a member of the Filipino Women's Club and served as president one year.

Marlene enjoyed reading, needle crafts and gardening most of her life. She took up skiing in her 50's and mastered Tai Chi. She kept fit by walking and water aerobics and walking her corgis, Max and Bailey. She adored travel and explored the world with her husband, Adam.

Marlene's greatest passion was her love of her Lord and her bible study. She was a devoted and active member of her church. She was an enthusiastic and proud team member of AWANA youth ministry.

She is survived by her husband, Adolfo (Adam) Escalona, her five children, Toni Santos, Alena Santos (Jeff Knudsen), Alicia Santos Nizzardi (Vincent Nizzardi), Adam Escalona, Aaron Escalona, and her 3 grandchildren, Alexandria Nizzardi, Amanda Branch, and Andy Knudsen. Siblings, Cherie Mathis, Judy Wheatbread, Billy Ross, Connie Francisco, Lea Francisco, Pete Francisco, Michael Francisco, Ron Francisco, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, January 14th at Sylvan Way Baptist Church at 3:00 p.m. in Bremerton, Washington.

Donations can be made to AWANA Youth Ministries c/o Sylvan Way Baptist Church.