Marilyn Olson Trafican Obituary (1950 – 2022) – Fresno, CA

Marilyn Olson Trafican
November 17, 1950 – August 26, 2022
Fresno, California – Our Renaissance Woman On August 26, 2022, our family lost one of the most unique souls to ever grace the earth, Marilyn Olson Trafican, daughter of the late Morris Taylor and Barbara Taylor Ward. Marilyn was born on November 17, 1950, in Houston, Texas.
From an early age, she was a force of nature, with many interests, talents, and a tremendous sense of curiosity. Some of her determination and independence most surely came from the fact that, until she was 19, she was the only girl in the family and often battled with her three brothers!
She was excited to enter college where the young men were finally her height. Incredibly bright and unafraid to conquer what was generally considered a man’s territory, Marilyn earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from ASU Later. Because many of her engineering projects involved legal questions, she added another degree, from the San Joaquin College of Law in 2001.
Marilyn worked for the City of Fresno (10 years), City of Fairbanks (five years), City of Madera (five years) and various engineering firms. She was a licensed professional engineer and, as one would expect, she was the first female engineer employed by the City of Fresno. Throughout her long and successful career, Marilyn stated that her favorite project ever was working for a full year on a land surveying crew for Precision Civil Engineering.
Marilyn was married to John Olson from 1979 until his passing in 1986. In 1993, Marilyn married Dan Trafican, III. Although she was never blessed with biological children of her own, the 10 she inherited in her marriages all strongly agree that she loved and raised them as her own. This applied to her step-grandchildren as well. Adventures were a part of Marilyn’s everyday life. Lovingly dubbed MEO by her family, Dairah and Dezrei will never forget one particular outing when she asked the girls’ mother, Debbie, if she could take them for a while. Once in the car, Marilyn decided a trip to the Getty Museum in Los Angeles would be a nice way to spend the afternoon – much to the shock and amazement of all. Memories…she was the best at making every minute count. Marilyn was past president of the Fairbanks, Alaska chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers and she was honored with a Lifetime Membership in 2016. She was also an active member and past president of the Kiwanis Club of Fresno.
Her interests varied widely – from listening to classic rock and gardening to playing online poker and watching movies, especially film noir. For her 60th birthday, she even convinced her husband to rent the entire Tower Theater and host a screening of an Italian film for family and friends. Doug remembers his own disbelief when his no-nonsense stepmother came home from work while he and friends were watching the cartoon, Beavis and Butt-Head. After a few moments, she promptly went to her own room where he could soon hear her raucously laughing at the low-brow humor.
Although she did not like cooking, she enjoyed holding the Thanksgiving feast. She and husband, Dan, had fun together planning Easter brunch and family reunions. Her Trafican family admired her greatly for the way she “managed” Dan’s many temperaments – she always knew how to keep him smiling and worked to keep him healthy without leaving him any room to protest. This included having to find a growling “line -backer” voice to allow Dan to understand her as his hearing declined. As much as she loved her large, extended families,
Marilyn had a true, deep-seated affection for creatures — especially felines. She tended to their needs with the same soft-spoken vigor that she displayed in every aspect of her life.
She carried herself with regal elegance yet one could sense her kindness and empathy from the first word. No doubt, had she had even a few more healthy years, Marilyn would have surprised all with a different interest or career. She was, and always will be, our adored Renaissance Woman.
Sadly, Marilyn was predeceased by husband, Dan on August 29, 2021.
She is survived by her mother, Barbara Ward, daughter Deborah Heinz, son-in-law, Dan Heinz, sons Daniel L. Trafican IV, David H. Trafican, Douglas E. Trafican, and daughter-in-law Diana Trafican. She is also survived by grandchildren Dairah Heinz, Dezrei Heinz, Evan Trafican, and Layna Trafican.
Marilyn was predeceased by her brother, Mark Taylor and is survived by her sister, Ruth DiPietro and brothers, Lee Taylor and Paul Taylor.
Many members of the Olson family remember Marilyn lovingly, including Mary Yoakum and the Olsons, Brian, Kip, Steve, Susan, Barbara, Laura, Chris, and Mandii.
Remembrances may be made to the SPCA.

Published by Fresno Bee on Sep. 11, 2022.

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