Marilyn Marie Cleveland Shupe
Jan. 25, 1967 - April 17, 2018

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Marilyn Marie Cleveland Shupe, beloved wife and proud mother, died Tuesday, April 17, 2018 at the age of 51.

Mare was traveling home from meeting her newest grandson in Montana when she became quite ill and went to a hospital in Pasco, Wash. Some hours later, her heart failed and she was unable to be resuscitated. Her husband, Dan, was with her.

Marilyn is survived by her husband, Daniel John Shupe; her children, Ashley Rochelle Balletto (husband Alfred Richard George Balletto), Dason Judith Cleveland and Sebastian Johnson; her grandchildren, Alfred Richard George Balletto Jr., Alexander Augustine Balletto, Maxwell, Oliver, Preston and Aidan; her father, Arnold Joseph Cleveland; her older sister, Sandra Denise Cleveland; her younger sister, Amber Brooke Cleveland; her nephews, Beau James Marek and Brice Edwin Gard; and Dan’s daughter, Danita Marie Stiddams.

We would also like to acknowledge Marilyn’s first husband, Don Balsley and the Balsley family.

Mare is preceded in death by her very beloved mother, Judith Yvonne Landeros Cleveland and by her second and third husbands, Kim Welker and Michael Johnson, respectively. Kim is the father of Ash and Dason and he passed away in 2017. Mike passed away in April 2007. He and Yeshelle are the parents of Sebastian Johnson. Also gone too soon is Dan’s son Michael.

Mare leaves behind a large extended family and cherished friends, and let’s not forget the pets: Mandy, Meow Meow and Mr. Phish.

Marilyn and her mother Judy loved exploring our Native American heritage – from beading to basket-weaving and gathering materials. Judy passed away in 2005 and left a gaping hole in our family. It is comforting to know that Mom was there to greet Mare.

Mare’s grandchildren were the light of her life. Don’t misunderstand – she loved being a mother, but there was just something about becoming a grandmother. It melted her heart and made her gooey!

Mare was born and raised in Lakeport, Calif., and graduated from Kelseyville High School in 1985. She was a tremendous softball player and one hell of a scrapper. She was a champion of the underdog and never backed down from what she believed in.

Mare’s little sister Amber wrote a great statement about Mare: “You fight each other and then you gang up together against the world when needed. And Marilyn was the one that fought for us all. She was the fighter and always protected us. She didn’t give a f#&. And taught me how to say that, even when my mom hated cussing! She had tattoos and piercings before it was cool.”

Yes, Marilyn was fierce: a fierce mom, a fierce wife, and she had a fiercely generous heart. We shall miss her fiercely and forever.

Viewing will begin at Big Valley Gymnasium, 1002 Osprey Court in Lakeport, starting on Sunday, April 22, at 10 a.m. and continuing to Tuesday, April 24, at 10 a.m.

Graveside funeral service will be held at St. Mary’s Cemetery on Tuesday, April 24, at 11:30 a.m. Following the graveside service, lunch will be served at the gym.

Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com.