Obituary of Marilyn Stoddard

Marilyn Edith (Smith) Stoddard (b:1942, Monroe, LA) beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend and neighbor passed away peacefully on April 21, 2024 in Simi Valley, CA.

Marilyn graduated from Holy Child Academy in Portland, OR and decided to pursue a career path early on working for Xerox and later as a realtor and partner in several businesses. Enjoying a mutual zest for life and shared exquisite design aesthetic, Marilyn and her architect husband, Richard D. Stoddard (deceased 2021), built and transformed many hillside properties. Together, they also enjoyed fishing, golfing, skiing and entertaining. Richard was the consummate host and Marilyn, a fantastic chef and party planner. After relocating with Richard to Wood Ranch, Marilyn applied her love for fashion and event planning skills to benefit Casa Pacifica chairing and reimagining the Spotlight on Style Fashion Show. She was also known to spend hours each day pouring over cookbooks and menus and on her needlework, crafting beautiful holiday stockings to the delight of children, friends and family.  

Marilyn loved being gramma to her only grandchild Ryan Kort and time with him and fiancé Marina Broz who shared a love of cooking and presenting beautiful meals. She is survived by daughter, Cathy Kort (Ryan, grandson) and Son, Steve Morris, twin sister, Madelyn Koontz and husband, Len, niece, Cathleen and husband, Rob Bucholtz; nephew, Scott Milne (Shelby, wife) and Holly Buchanon (Bob, husband) all who maintained a constant presence in her life.

Marilyn is also survived by her constant companion, Millie, a spunky Havanese. The pair were well known and loved by neighbors who would often trade dog treats and join in wine-o-clocks, special gatherings, and themed meals. 

A private family service will be held in Depot Bay Oregon where Marilyn enjoyed fishing with her dad, Blanchard Smith (Edith, mother). Marilyn's surviving siblings are John Smith and Gretchen Smith, both of Eugene, Oregon. She was predeceased by her parents and brother, BJ Smith, Jr. The family requests honoring Marilyn through gifts in her name to Casa Pacifica.