Marilyn Couser, 68

Marilyn Couser died on Jan. 11, 2017, after brief respiratory issues. Marilyn grew up in Los Angeles, Calif., with her mom and dad, Mary and Melvin Couser, and her two brothers, Carl and Joel. She was the oldest of the family.

Around the age of 19, she was struck with schizophrenia and lived with that challenge the rest of her life. Around the same age, she had her only child, Faith, who cared for her after Marilyn moved to Coeur d’Alene in 1999. She lived in many assisted living and group homes in North Idaho, finally finding a true home with Harmony House in Hayden for the last 10 years. Marilyn had ups and downs throughout her life, but was always well-cared for by her doctors, PSRs, nurses and all the employees at the many homes where she resided.

The people who work with the mentally ill are heroes to the families who can’t do it on our own.

She was preceded in death by her dad, Melvin and her son-in-law, Kerry Malmberg. She leaves behind her daughter and husband, Faith and Spencer Normington; her five grandchildren, Cory, Madison, Raime, Levi and James; her brother and his wife, Joel and Linda Couser; her youngest brother and his wife, Carl and Anne Couser, and their three children; and many cousins and relatives in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

She was funny and quirky, and had a good heart. We look forward to seeing her in heaven in all her perfected glory.

Please go to www.belltowerfuneralhome.com and to the online memorials page to read her obituary, see pictures and post your memories.

No services will be held.