Marian J. Layson

Tom Layson: Mom had her share of health problems over the years, but it never extinguished her appreciation for good times and things to look forward to - seeing family, food, travel, and entertainment. Even when she was in failing health, she still held out hope that she was somehow going to be capable of getting back to the point where she could travel and live independently. While we laughed a litlte at some of her ideas, the fact is that she never really let her limitations soak in, which is probably a worthy goal for us all. As I write this now some months after her passing, I can say I think about her daily and in some ways still find it hard to believe she's not here. Having her move to Helena alone while my dad was recovering from his fall in September of 2022 was hard, but I feel some satisfaction in knowing that she had a lot of nice visits and good meals over at our house - sometimes involving her great grandchildren - which she always described as, "darling." Mom herself was darling in a lot of ways, slow to anger, and accepting of people never seeming to hold grudges or even utter an unkind word. While I'm glad she isn't struggling anymore, I will also say that there is certainly one less person in this world who, rightly or wrongly, felt the sun rose and set with me - and that too is something I'll greatly miss. 

David Layson:  My Mom was a fighter - she fought mental issues for most of my childhood and eventually overcame significant amount of those over many years. She fought through a stroke when I was a junior in high school and recovered, and she fought through continued disabilities later in life related to both issues. She fought hard at the end as well - we all talked about how strong she was and of course her dessert addiction as life is dessert first before the main course. I loved my mom - even with the difficulties and struggles she went through all her life. She was known to all as a sweet lady that always had a smile and always had your back and your best interests in mind. How she held up and continued to be so strong and carrying is an example to my family and us all. I miss her and will always remember her. I lost a cheerleader, a boxing coach when I had tough times, but mostly a loving mom that always had my back. I hope she is re-joined with the family she grew up with and always kept contact with and that someday I will see her again as the mom handing me peanut butter and jelly sandwiches on the back porch and asking me how my life went.

Shari Layson: I will miss you. You were a wonderful mother in-law. I know you're in heaven playing the piano and eating cookies. Love you, always.

Jeannie Legg: Dear sweet Marian, we were hoping for one more visit, but it wasn't to be. She adored her cousins Ralph and Russ and I'm grateful for the times the 6 of us spent together, eating, playing games, eating, laughing and eating. You haven't lived if you didn't get to enjoy a banana split with her! She did love her deserts! We have wonderful memories of our many visits with she and Bill and the rest of the clan. Our love goes out to each of you, and thankful she is now free of pain and suffering.

Ralph Legg: What do I remember about Marian? Unfortunately, probably less than more, particularly during our childhood, I’m only a couple years younger than she was. My mother, a single parent raising two boys, was the sister of Marian’s mom, Hazel, and we visited with them often. I remember Marion having to practice her piano lessons, we were probably 4 or 5 or less at the time, when she would finish, we would go down into the basement to the rumpus room to play games, there was myself, my brother Russ, and sometimes Diane, her cousin on her father’s side. Marion would always want to play school where she was the teacher, or house, which we boys weren’t keen on. I do remember some things, like when her picture was taken in the rose garden, and the many dinners at our grandparents’ home. We all lived in Oakland, CA, at the time. It seems like we got together at least once if not twice a month, for some type of family gathering.Later on, we visited Bill and Marian and the boys, at their home in Fremont, and later in time at their home in Summer Lake with our children Stacy and Jeff. Jeanne and I visited Bill and Marian several times, in Gig Harbor, and later in Arizona. More recently, after Marian moved to Montana, we talked on the telephone, about happier days and when we were kids. She periodically would call saying she was bored, and just wanted to talk on the phone. I’ll miss Marian, we shared a long life with one another. 

Charlee Layson: Tell her thank you for being my friend.

Kathy Legg Gershwind: Thank you for letting me know about aunt Marian. I will always have fond memories of her.

Nancy Legg: I am more saddened than you can know. Marian was one of the nicest people I ever knew. While it's true we had been out of touch for awhile, I will never forget her and her kindness to me. God bless you all.

Penny Sweeny O'Connell: I'm sorry to hear Marian passed. I spoke with her a few weeks ago and she said she was not doing well. Our condolences to the family. I know she was very proud of you all.

Kim Secord Walley: I am so sorry to hear about Marian. I have great memories of playing the piano with her. All of my love and thoughts for all of you.

Stacy Legg Gomez: I'm so sorry. She was such a special woman.. always one of my favorite family members. My thoughts are with you all.

Jeff Scott: I am so sorry for the passing of (Marian). She was always such a sweet lady to our family, and I remember such a wonderful hostess that year we visited at Gig Harbor - so many years back now. Thank you for for reminding me of what she brought this world, and again, I am sorry to you and the rest of your family for your loss.

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