Marilyn Jo Johnson Radaz

Marilyn was born October 19, 1936, in Denver, Colorado, the only child of Johnny and Tessa Johnson.  Marilyn passed away on November 29, 2023, from complications of Parkinson's Disease.

She graduated from Englewood High School in 1954, and graduated from Denver University in 1958, with a bachelor's degree.  She was a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority.

Marilyn taught high school in Denver and Santa Maria, California.  She married Francis Charles Radaz on February 14, 1960, in Denver.  Their only child, Jay Charles Radaz, was born May 26, 1962, and passed away December 26, 2009.

Marilyn passed the California Real Estate Exam and worked successfully for real estate and accounting firms.  In 1979 she opened her own business, Poppy Hill Fashions.  Marilyn shopped the fashion marts and was proud to bring the latest designs to her customers.  She very successfully managed these stores for eighteen years.  She liked being called a "fashionista!"

In January 1990, the Chamber of Commerce presented her with a special award for "a true go-getter" in the business community.

Marilyn continued her college sorority membership Kappa Alpha Theta as an alumnus with California Central Coast activities.  She has been active in the University Women's Club.

Marilyn had many interests such as theater, travel, music, golf, rose gardening (she was awarded an ARS bronze medal for Outstanding Service to the Santa Barbara Rose Society), painting, antiques, entertaining, charities, etc.  In summary, Marilyn was a woman of many interests and many accomplishments!

Marilyn is survived by her husband of 63 years, Charlie Radaz.  Private services will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to Sansum Diabetes Research Institute (SDRI) 2219 Bath St. Santa Barbara, CA 93105 or Mental Wellness Center 617 Garden St. Santa Barbara, CA 93101

We are extremely grateful to Atterdag Village Care Unit personnel and the Visiting Hospice Nurses for their compassionate and competent care given to Marilyn.