October 13, 1928 - February 20, 2018
Marilee Hawkins (Dayton), passed away on 2/20/2018 after a short decline in health. She was born 10/13/1928, she was 89 years old. Born in Rock Island, Illinois to Martha and Clarence Dayton, she enjoyed an uneventful childhood, and found her calling with a talent for painting, drawing and graphic design. - Attending classes in Painting and Drawing at Columbia College and later at Carnegie Tech in Pittsburgh, where she met Gaylord Hawkins, a Theater major. They were married June 16th, 1950. Marilee and Gaylord settled in Indianapolis, IN and began raising 3 sons, Jonathan, Christopher, and Brian. - Always creating, Marilee made and sold copper enameled wares and jewelry and became accomplished at silk screening and design, linoleum block carving and printing, calligraphy, needlepoint, cable knitting, canning chair seats and an appreciation for folk arts. She was an excellent bowler and enjoyed playing Bridge with her many friends. - She achieved a life goal when she designed and Gaylord built a passive solar home on Indianapolis’ north side. - As the boys grew and pursued their careers, Marilee and Gaylord enjoyed the empty nest for a while before moving to Denver, Co. in 1985 to help her sister Jane care for their mother Martha. The climate and locale suited them and they stayed for 30 years. Gaylord passed away in 2005 and Marilee kept busy with her sister, bridge clubs, and friends. - About two years ago Marilee’s boys’ Jonathan and Brian brought Marilee to live close to them at a senior community in Spokane, WA, looking after her in the twilight of her life. - She is survived by her three sons, Jonathan Hawkins, (Nicole Altenburg, Mia) Chris Hawkins,( Colleen Lakin, Conner) Brian Hawkins, (Ann Torigoe-Hawkins, Kate) and her sister Jane Mangus, and nephew Mark Challener. - Marilee Hawkins; Loving Daughter, Wife, and Mother, your sons will miss your wisdom, pragmatic sensibility, and love.
