Marilyn Diane Licursi

Marilyn Licursi (née Short), December 22, 2025

Marilyn Licursi passed away peacefully on December 22 at the age of 94. Her passions were varied and vibrant: cherishing her family and friends, enjoying summers by the water and winters in the snow, expressing herself through painting and piano, exploring the world through travel, and creating gardens where she lived.

Born on January 30, 1931, in Ogden, Utah, Marilyn moved with her family to Sacramento during her first year. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Simon Licursi, her parents William and Lois Short, and her brothers Harold and Richard Short.

After graduating from Sacramento High School, Marilyn began her career as a legal secretary at a Sacramento law firm. Her love of the Hawaiian Islands began in the 1950s when she and her childhood friend Darlene Hunter sailed aboard Matson Line’s SS Lurline to Oahu. Marilyn lived briefly in Hawaii before returning to California, but the islands would forever hold a special place in her heart.

Marilyn’s enthusiasm for life extended to the outdoors, where she was a founding member of the Sacramento Water Ski Club. She performed in the club’s water ski shows across California and held various volunteer roles. In the winter, her interest turned to the nearby mountains, skiing in the Tahoe area and joining the Sacramento Ski Club, which ultimately led her to meet her future husband, Simon Licursi. The two married in 1958 and moved to Seattle, where they welcomed their children, Aaron and Michele.

The Licursi family returned to California in the early 1970s, first to San Rafael before returning to Sacramento. There, they maintained a loving home until Simon’s passing in 1986. In the mid-1980s, Marilyn became active in the Sacramento Republican Women Federated, holding leadership positions and forming lasting friendships.

A lifelong lover of the arts, Marilyn studied piano throughout her childhood and later devoted herself to oil and watercolor painting. She was an active member of the Sacramento Fine Arts Center, continually inspired by the creativity and camaraderie she found there.

Following Simon’s passing, Marilyn moved to Folsom, California, where she found a close circle of friends who shared her love for travel. Together they embarked on memorable trips to the Mediterranean, Alaska, Canada, and Hawaii. Her greatest joy remained the time spent with her family and friends, whose lives she enriched with her warmth and generosity.

Marilyn is survived by her son Aaron Licursi (Michael Halaas) of San Francisco, her daughter Michele Munsch (Richard Munsch), and her cherished grandchildren, Carter and Carissa, all of Granite Bay, California. Her legacy lives on in their hearts and in the memories of those who knew her.

A private family service will be held in her honor. At Marilyn’s request, there will be no public memorial service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donating to a charity of your choice in her memory.