Marilyn Severson, professor emerita of European studies-French, died Dec. 30, 2025, at the age of 85.
For 25 years, Seattle Pacific students often stopped in mid-conversation to wave and call, “Bonjour, Madame Severson!” And even after graduation, many stayed in touch — sending wedding invitations, baby announcements, and career updates.
A second-generation educator from Salem, Oregon, Severson followed her family tradition of attending Willamette University, later earning a master’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh and a PhD from the University of Colorado in 1973. She taught for a year in Alaska before joining the SPU faculty in 1979, where she would serve until retiring in 2004.
During her academic career, Severson led SPU’s Foreign Languages Department, wrote books including Masterpieces of French Literature and James A. Michener: A Critical Companion, and she organized multiple student study tours to Europe — committed to giving students authentic language and cultural experiences. At the time of her retirement, then Vice President for Academic Affairs Les Steele recalled visiting her class and said, “Marilyn is one of those women who appears demure and quiet, but she has a twinkle in her eye and an energy to her teaching.”
Beyond SPU, Severson served Queen Anne Presbyterian Church as an elder, Clerk of Session for more than 25 years, organist, and longtime leader of the Senior Gathering Friday luncheons. She was also a devoted aunt, world traveler, voracious reader, cat lover, square dancer, and avid tennis fan.
She is survived by her nieces Kathleen DaBoll-Lavoie and Elizabeth DaBoll; great-nephew Bradley DaBoll-Lavoie; great-nieces Abigail DaBoll-Lavoie Harmony and Caroline Marra; great-great-nephew Cohen Marra; and her beloved cat, Jesse.
Au revoir, Madame Severson.
