Lund, Marla Jean
October 14, 1932 - June 1, 2019
Marla Jean Lund of San Clemente, California, passed away at her home,
surrounded by her family, after a brave battle with Alzheimer's disease.
Marla was born in Ortonville, Minnesota. She was the daughter of the late
Lester and Almira Peterson. She is survived by husband Don Lund, children
Caryn Petrie (Brad), Carrie Raub (Michael), Scott Lund (Terri), Mary Jo
Lund (Sue) and John Lund, five grandchildren, and brothers, Jerry (Bob),
and Charles (Toni) Peterson. Her brother Duane (Eileen) predeceased her.
Marla spent her early years in South Haven, Minnesota, where her parents
owned a cafe. In 1944, the family moved to Fargo, North Dakota. Marla attended Fargo High
School, graduating in 1950. She then went on to Concordia College, graduating in 1954 and
distinguishing herself as the school's first woman to graduate in Physical Education. She met
her husband, Don, at Concordia College during Freshman Orientation. After graduation, Don
and Marla married in 1955, and recently celebrated their 64th Wedding Anniversary.
In 1966, after living in Houston and San Diego, Marla and Don moved to San Clemente.
San Clemente became home for the next 53 years. Marla loved her community and couldn't
imagine a better place to live and raise a family. She taught High School P.E. and history at
San Clemente high, and coached tennis. During her tenure as the woman's tennis coach, the
team won the school's first CIF Championship. Marla encouraged the girls to play as many
sports as they could, believing that sports engendered personal growth and character.
She wanted to ensure that the opportunities afforded through Title IX, opportunities that were
not available to Marla, would be available to the next generation. Former students often
stopped and thanked her for her interest and encouragement in them as students; Marla
retired as a full time teacher in 1986.
Marla loved playing all sports, especially tennis and running. Her last race was the Carlsbad
Marathon at age 65. She continued playing team tennis into her seventies. As an avid walker,
she was often seen along the beaches of San Clemente and the walkways of Dana Point
Harbor. Marla's love of sports also included watching and celebrating the success of San
Clemente HS, the Lakers, Rams and Angels. And of course, rooting on her family in their
activities.
Upon retirement Marla and Don enjoyed traveling together. She was a member of Our
Saviors Lutheran Church in San Clemente. She became a decorated Area Governor for the
Toastmaster Association. She was President of the San Clemente Hospital Guild, raising
money for community health projects. Marla was a Docent at the Casa Romantica, and she
was a member of the Assistance League, which supported Laura's House in their mission to
aid battered women. She loved to cook and entertain for her friends. Marla gladly welcomed
everyone to her home, including hosting exchange students.
Nothing made Marla happier than being with her family. Her Grandchildren were the light of
her life. Marla's grace, style and smile lit up the room. She kept her head up and smiled until
the end. We will always remember her courage and grace with and without Alzheimer's.
We will miss her and remember her with joy and love.
A memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on August 3, 2019 at Our Savior's Church, 200
Avenida San Pablo, San Clemente, California 92672.
In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to the Alzheimer's Association Orange County,
2515 McCabe Way, Suite 200, Irvine, CA 92672 in Memory of Marla Lund.
To share a memory or send a condolence gift, please visit the Official Obituary of Marla Jean Lund hosted by Lesneski Mortuary.