Marilyn Jean Teitge's life—from the beginning to the end—was a celebration of life. Born at the stroke of midnight between Aug. 2 and 3, 1947, at the Stanford Hospital in Palo Alto, Calif., she was the child of James and Anne Louise McGinnis. Marilyn was blessed with goodwill and irrepressible mirth. Her life adventures started out early; hiking through the mountains of the Olympic wilderness, sailing Puget Sound and orchestrating theater productions with her childhood friends. Youngest of four, Marilyn grew up with her three older brothers, Bob, Dick and Dan.
Her natural love of children guided her toward a teaching career. She attended college at Central Washington State University in Ellensburg. Her professional career began at the Buckley Washington School for the Mentally Disabled. She continued her role as an educator on Vashon Island, Wash., here in the Wood River Valley, and on Kauai. In all her work environments, she was cherished and respected.
Along with her passion of working with children, she had a love of acting and the theater community. She will be remembered fondly for her presence onstage.
Mother, actress, teacher, friend—she had a natural talent for making people smile. The memories of her laughter will continue to resonate with those she knew. She will be missed dearly by all whose lives she touched.
Marilyn leaves behind her two children, Tesla and Miles, and her husband, Tom Teitge. She gave the world to her family. Her passing was a precious coming together of friends and family. There will be a memorial celebration potluck at Lion's Park in Hailey on Thursday, May 29, starting at 5:30 p.m. Please bring artifacts and stories to share.
