Washington - Marlene Jackson Zoffel was born on May 29, 1934, in Seattle, Washington, and joined her soulmate, George Sanford Zoffel, in heaven on July 21, 2025. It's no surprise she caught George's eye back in junior high in West Seattle as they were inseparable from the start. High school sweethearts who married on June 22, 1956, they went on to share 65 years of a love story that could fill a novel.

Marlene lit up every single room she walked into. She was magnetic, stylish, full of grace, and had this effortless warmth that made everyone feel at home -- candles always glowing, every detail thoughtfully placed, and a meal always big enough for "one more."

As a devoted Catholic, she found a church wherever she went. Hymns and prayers were etched so deeply in her that even as Alzheimer's progressed, they still brought her peace. She was her family's moral compass and spiritual anchor: steady, loving, and quietly guiding with kindness.

She was also a phenomenal cook, an unmatched hostess, and truly a fashion icon. Holidays were always "the more, the merrier," and her tables were works of art. Her kitchen smelled like home: crab feasts, clam fries, and something delicious always simmering. On ski days, she had crockpots ready so dinner was waiting when everyone piled back in. And at Husky home football games, she and George hosted their legendary tailgate, complete with her famous Hot Buttered Rum once the weather turned.

Marlene loved babies, bridge, and movement. She was everyone's biggest cheerleader, whether on the golf course or in life. Fiercely loyal and endlessly supportive, she stood by George through every chapter -- writing love notes while he trained with the Air Force and building a home everywhere life took them.

And "home" took on many zip codes: Sandy Point on Whidbey Island, Kirkland, Hawaii, and anywhere a cruise ship could dock. Together, she and George logged over 600 days at sea, celebrated milestones in New York City, and showed their children and grandchildren the joy of seeing the world. They also lived a deep spirit of service, having traveled to South Africa to support ministry work and always found ways to give back.

Ask anyone in her family what they'll remember most, and you'll hear the same things spoken with a smile: her contagious laugh, her working hands, the scent of Chanel No. 5, lilies and orchids, purple and gold on game days, bridge after dinner, long putts "generously given," a charm bracelet full of memories, and a home that always smelled like something wonderful baking.

Her lifelong motto (shared with George) was simple: "We're in the business of making others' lives better." Anyone who knew Marlene carries that forward today, taking care of others and always making room for one more at the table.

Marlene is survived by her five daughters (and beloved sons-in-law): Marnelle Zoffel Helling (Freeland, WA) with Gary; Valerie Zoffel McDonald (Bellevue, WA) with Doug; Tami Zoffel Parker (Issaquah, WA) with Tom; Monica Zoffel Plancich (Tacoma, WA) with Greg; and Melinda Zoffel Kramb (San Diego, CA) with Randy; 16 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, George Sanford Zoffel (1934-2021).

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to UW Medicine Memory and Brain Wellness Center.