Cover photo for Marlene Edwards's Obituary
Marlene Edwards Profile Photo

Marlene Edwards

July 25, 1938 — March 18, 2020

Marlene Lenore (Lund) Edwards, 81, lifetime Grays Harbor resident and former member of the “Dukes of Swing”, passed away on March 18, 2020 in Vancouver, WA.

Marlene was born July 25, 1938 in Aberdeen, WA to Martin Clarence and Lenora Minerva (Movic) Lund. She graduated from Hoquiam High School in 1956 and went on to earn her Associate of Arts form Grays Harbor College. She attended Western Washington University.

August 6, 1976, Marlene married Ernest “Ernie” C. Edwards. They were happily married for 41 years until he passed on February 6, 2017. Marlene had previously been married to Allen Bannister. They later divorced.

She was a lifelong musician, starting at three years old on accordion and piano, taught by her parents. She was in many bands over the years including her and Ernie’s band “Soft Touch” from 1972 to 1997. Later the two played for the “Dukes of Swing” from 1997 to 2007 until they retired. Marlene worked at Aberdeen School District as a Kitchen Assistant from 1997 to 2007. She was also a professional tailor and seamstress under the name Tailor Maid until she passed away.

Marlene was a member and officer in the Aberdeen Elks Lodge, VFW as well as The Sons of Norway. She loved cooking, music, flying planes Grays Harbor Air, singing, dancing, the beach, watching sunsets and trips down the Oregon Coast. She loved her lunch and breakfast dates with friends and family. Marlene was passionate about animals and donated to ASPCA, amongst other charities her whole life.

Marlene is survived by three sons: Michael (Amber) Bannister, Larry Bannister, and Karl (Tara) Bannister; one stepson Chuck (Linda) Edwards; brothers: Martin Lund and Jim (Cindy) Lund; one stepbrother Tom (Dawn) Lund; and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. Marlene was preceded in death by two sons: David and Kenny Bannister, and daughter Marilyn Bannister; her stepdaughters Debbi and Cindi Edwards; her parents as well as stepfather Fred Lund.

There will be a celebration of Marlene’s life at a later date when all can attend. Marlene and Ernie’s wishes were for their ashes to be buried together at the American Lake Veteran’s Cemetery.

Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen, WA. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Marlene Edwards, please visit our flower store.

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