Marliese Susanna Pugh
March 13, 1942 - December 15, 2023
Marliese Susanna Pugh, “Oma,”age 81, died December 15th, 2023. Mom passed peacefully at home with her children by her side. Her illness was sudden and unexpected. She fought hard, but her body had its plans. We are incredibly thankful for the hospice team who helped us care for Mom and bring her home. We find comfort in knowing she is back with Dad and out of pain.
Mom was born to Franz and Susanna Brand in the picturesque village of Eberbach on the Neckar River. Her journey of love and companionship began when she met and married Norman “Bill” Pugh, a member of the US Air Force stationed in Germany. They just missed 50 years of marriage with Dad’s sudden death in 2007. Together, they welcomed their first child, Dianna. They moved to Salt Lake City, where they built a home filled with warmth and cherished memories and added two more children, Barbara and Michael.
Mom found joy in cooking for her family and loved shopping. She never went anywhere without dressing up and in high heels. While deeply rooted in her love for her family, Mom's heart always held a special place for her homeland and her Family.Despite the miles that separated them, the connection to her roots remained strong.
Mom's legacy lives on in the hearts of her family and friends. We only wish she had more time with us and her great-grandchildren. May she rest in eternal peace.
Marliese is survived by her children, Dianna Pugh, Barbara Walton, and Michael Pugh (Sandy). Her legacy continues through her grandchild, Sierra Walton-Lees (Aaron), and two great-grandchildren, Everly and Camden. She is also survived by her brother, Gustav Brand (Malwine), brother-in-law Jeff Pugh (Johnny), and Kenneth Pugh, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.
There will be a celebration of life for Marliese on Wednesday, December 20, from 11-12:30 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East. Guests are encouraged to use parking and entrance located on the north side of the building. A burial will follow at the Murray City Cemetery.
In Loving Memory
My condolences to you all. So, so sorry.
My Oma You shaped me. My childhood is filled with memories of you. Those memories are the highlights. From riding the bus into Sugarhouse with you so you could shop for the latest bargain, to singing and dancing to Andrea Bocelli in your silk nightgowns and high heels, all of my most cherished memories include you. Even though there has been distance between us over the last several years, every time I came home, you were there, my Oma, to give me a kiss and hug. The last time I saw you in person and said goodbye as I was going back to England, I was overcome with sadness as I was leaving and remember thinking it might be the last time. I went to you and you gave me a hug and a kiss and said, “it’s okay Sierra” and that you loved me and that I had to go be with my family. You knew that feeling so deeply because you had done it yourself. You left your home to be with Opa and have a family. Whilst it was horrible being away from you in your final weeks and days, I know you knew I was there with you in spirit. We always had such a special connection. You and Opa were always a home away from home for me. You always knew how to comfort me when I needed it. While I am so sad you are no longer here and I will not be able to see you again, you will live on in so many ways. I’ll cherish the memories I have had with you and make sure you are always known to your great grandchildren Everly and Camden. You’ll live on through the stories I tell, the traditions you have taught me which are now part of my family’s traditions, the German Christmas songs that we’ll sing, the meals I now cook because of you. Your voice lives on in my mind, it plays over and over. I’ll miss you always Oma and promise to live my life to the fullest and always keep singing and dancing, even by myself, like you always did. Give Opa the biggest hug from me.
In Loving Memory
