MARILYN BIRDSALL

Houston resident Mrs. Marilyn Birdsall, 77, died at her home Sept. 19, 2003, after a lengthy illness.

A private service is being planned.

Mrs. Birdsall was born Aug. 8, 1926, in Wayland, Mass.

She became a resident of Alaska in 1980, residing in Bethel in 1986. She lived in Fairbanks from 1986 to 1989, and then she moved to Wasilla.

Mrs. Birdsall was a registered nurse. She worked in New York state from 1948 to 1980. From 1980 to 1989 she worked for Rural Health Services in Bethel and Fairbanks. She never retired.

Mrs. Birdsall was Mother of the Year in 1963 in Elmira, N.Y.

She enjoyed crafts, gardening and her family.

Her family said, "Mom was a vivacious, energetic and loving woman whose compassion for others affected all who met her. She was never one to blame or criticize, but offered alternative solutions. She was accepting of others and taught us that kindness would always overshadow hate. She was the heartbeat of our large family through times of diversity and times of plenty. She always remained positive. She was a teacher of life skills and tolerance to her children, as demonstrated by example and deed. She was a mentor and advisor to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. We will cherish our memories of her."

Mrs. Birdsall is survived by her children Michael and Gloria Birdsall of Fairbanks, Brian and Joyce Birdsall of Houston, Gordon and Mary Ann Birdsall of Colorado Springs, Colo., Rebecca and Wilson Decker of Burke, Va., Jill and Gary Pasquale of Corvallis, Mont., Michele and Paul Burke of Carson City, Nev.; 16 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband Grant Birdsall and her son Scott Birdsall.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Hospice of the Mat-Su, 3051 E. Palmer-Wasilla Highway, Wasilla AK 99654.

Arrangements were made by Valley Funeral Home & Crematory in Wasilla.