Marian Gallman

Obituary For Marian Gallman

Marian Gallman passed away peacefully from natural causes early on Easter morning, April 5, 2026, at the age of 91. A lifelong Whatcom County resident, Marian was born in Bellingham to John (Jack) and Jessie Zugelder and was raised on the family farm at South Lake Samish. She graduated from Bellingham High School in 1952. After meeting at a YWCA dance six months prior, Marian married Merle L. Gallman in 1957. The couple lived in El Paso, TX for several months while Merle was stationed at Fort Bliss. Upon returning to Bellingham with Merle, Marian worked as a secretary for Pacific American Fisheries. Following the births of their three daughters, Marian attended Western Washington State College (now WWU), earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Geography.

Along with her husband, Marian raised their three girls at Lake Whatcom and lived there for 57 years. She was an excellent maker of potato salad and coleslaw, hosting many summer-time BBQ get-togethers. After the girls flew the coop, Marian and Merle enjoyed many trips and cruises.

She played clarinet in high school, was a member of a singing quartet in The Sweet Adelines and enjoyed playing the piano. Marian was also a talented seamstress, crafter, and quilter, and was a member of several quilting groups.

Marian is survived by three daughters, Margaret Gallman, Martha Bray, and Marlene Thurston, four grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, sister Janet (Bill) DeHon, and niece, Karen Crow. She is preceded in death by her spouse, her parents, a nephew, and a son-in-law.

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, care partners, and all support staff at the Center for Senior Health, PeaceHealth St. Joseph Hospital, Highgate Senior Living and Memory Care, the Bellingham and Whatcom County Fire Departments, Cascade Ambulance Service, Inc., WTA Paratransit, all of the Home Health providers, and PeaceHealth Whatcom Hospice for taking excellent care of Marian.

At her request, no memorial service will be held. Memorial donations may be made to Fisher House Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 791598, Baltimore, MD 21279, or online at https://www.fisherhouse.org/ in Memory of Maj. Merle L. Gallman and Marian Gallman, or to a charity of your choice.

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