Marian Dammarell
Marian Dammarell

Obituary of Marian Eileen Dammarell

Marian Dammarell, 86, of Boise, died August 1, 2021 following a long illness. Marian was the second daughter of James and Marie Driscoll.  She was raised in Wallace, Idaho along with sisters, Bernice and Ellen.  She attended Our Lady of Lourdes Academy where she studied piano along with her regular classes, and become an accomplished pianist. In 6th grade, her dad made her first pair of skis and from then on she took every opportunity to ski and compete. Her mother supplied her with handmade sweaters, socks, and wool ski pants.  During the summers, she taught swimming lessons and was a Lifeguard at the Wallace Municipal Pool. 

After graduating high school, Marian attended the University of Idaho where she studied elementary education and joined the Helldivers Swim Club.  Following her sophomore year, Marian married Dale Dammarell and they remained happily together for 63 years, until his death in 2018.  The newlyweds moved to Quantico, Virginia where Dale began his service in the United States Marine Corps; he was transferred to Camp Pendleton where he completed his peace-time service.  They returned to Idaho where Dad began a long career in banking and Marian settled into motherhood, volunteering, and playing bridge with her friends.  She was active in several organizations including Welcome Wagon, PTA, 4H, and Beta Sigma Phi, all the while tirelessly making sure her seven children were on the right path, engaged in numerous extracurricular activities, and dressed impeccably in handmade clothes.

In 1982, Mom finally had the opportunity to return to school to complete her lifelong dream of becoming a teacher. She graduated from Western Oregon State College and was quickly hired to teach 1st grade at St. Mary’s School in Boise.  She taught 1st and 3rd grade and served as Vice Principal.  She was a born teacher and inspired her students to be and do their best. After 14 years, she retired to spend time with her loving husband, children, and grandchildren.

During retirement, Mom enjoyed multiple trips to Mexico, visiting family throughout the West, and family camping trips.  She was active in PEO, promoting educational opportunity for young women.  She was an avid reader, quilter, seamstress, knitter, and cross stitcher.  Her projects for the PEO Bazaar were often sold to fellow members before the Bazaar even started.

Marian experienced many health challenges in her adult life, meeting them with quiet strength and rarely complained.  She recently remarked that she was a lucky person… lucky to have the parents she had, lucky to grow up in Wallace, and even lucky to grow up during the Depression.  She felt lucky to have her children and grandchildren and the love of her friends. 

Marian was preceded in death by her husband, Dale; parents, James and Marie Driscoll; and sisters, Bernice and Ellen. She is survived by her children: Julie (Greg) Keys, Audrey (Stuart) Rehbein, Michael (Lynn) Dammarell, Jean (Tim) Viehweg, James (Heidi Bauer) Dammarell, Marian (Joe) Palaia, and Joyce Hudson; her grandchildren: Colin (Cheyenne Simpson) Keys, Liam (Eva) Keys, Caitlin (Hayden) Scardina, Jessica (Donny Perry) Allred, Benjamin (Cloe) Rehbein, Daniel Rehbein, Becca (Shane Martes) Dammarell, Christine (Ian) Quist, Lauryn Dammarell, Marin Dammarell, Joseph Palaia, Nicolas Palaia, Thomas (Christy Sipher) Hudson, and Sarah Hudson; and great grandsons: Devin Keys, Sheridan, Grant and Thomas Scardina, and Swede, Aric, and Ole Quist.

Our family would like to thank the staff of Truewood by Merrill Garden House for the love and compassion they showered on “Mama” the last four months. Words cannot express our gratitude for their loving care and peace of mind they gave our family, knowing she was in good hands.  Thank you… you are truly angels among us.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Marian’s name to PEO Sisterhood - Chapter BC, c/o Marcia Rausch, 4848 W. Hillcrest Drive, Boise, ID 83705 or Friends of the Wallace City Pool, 604 Hotel Street, Wallace, ID 83873. Remembrances may be left for the family at www.AccentFuneral.com.

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Wednesday
11
August

Rosary

10:00 am - 11:00 am
Wednesday, August 11, 2021
St. Mark's Catholic Church
7960 W. Northview St.
Boise, Idaho, United States
Wednesday
11
August

Funeral Mass

11:00 am - 12:00 am
Wednesday, August 11, 2021
St. Mark's Catholic Church
7960 W. Northview St.
Boise, Idaho, United States
Wednesday
11
August

Reception

12:00 pm
Wednesday, August 11, 2021
St. Mark's Catholic Church
7960 W. Northview St.
Boise, Idaho, United States
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