08/21/2026
In Loving Memory of Marilyn Sunnergren 💐
It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Marilyn Sunnergren on August 2nd. For over three decades, Marilyn was the heart and backbone of our Meals on Wheels program here at Sierra Senior Services.
Marilyn began delivering meals back in 1993, not long after losing her own mother. She turned her grief into a lifelong gift to this community. In those early years, she and fellow volunteer Nancy Williams were the only two drivers covering the entire stretch from Truckee to Donner Lake; they even picked meals up themselves from Tahoe Forest Hospital. While Marilyn stepped away for a season to launch her real estate career, she came right back in 2008 to log countless miles, learn every route in the region, and mentor the volunteers who would grow the program. One such volunteer was Carolyn, who went on to become our Home Delivered Meals Coordinator.
Marilyn was an important pillar of the program, not only for our participants but also for the many volunteers she mentored through ride-alongs. She took the time to show new volunteers how to make deliveries, interact with our homebound seniors, and provide the kind of compassionate service that Meals on Wheels is all about.
Right up until the end, Marilyn kept showing up, often alongside her husband, Bill, whom she also devotedly cared for. She brought warmth to every doorstep she visited, and showed how passionate she was about our mission.
We will miss her steady presence, her generous spirit, and her well-known love of a good Shrimp Louie Salad.
Marilyn's family will be hosting a memorial service to celebrate her life on October 10th. Food will be served, so please RSVP with the family so they can plan accordingly.
Thank you, Marilyn, for everything you gave to this community. Your kindness traveled a long way, one meal at a time. 💚
