Marian Kathleen Tollison

Marian Kathleen (Cookie) Tollison was born on Sunday, December 18, 1955 and passed away on Sunday, December 30, 2018; two dates that serve as bookends to a beautiful and complete life. Cookie was born to Tony H. and Eva Soares in Visalia. She attended Sundale School and Tulare Union High School in Tulare, CA. In 1973, her junior year of high school, she met the love of her life, John Michael Tollison. In 1975, Cookie began working at Jostens Printing and Publishing in bindery. She later moved to the art department, where she was able to exhibit her artistic talent. She was an avid softball player, and her close friends remember her as the one who would always be willing to go on an adventure. Cookie and John were married on May 21, 1977. Together they welcomed three beautiful daughters into the world. She and John had a mutual love of horseback riding and the country life which they shared with their children. It was important to Cookie to "go and do," so she made sure that her girls were involved in many different activities, which she immersed herself in as well. She was a softball coach, 4-H leader, and the #1 cheerleader for her girls. She could always be found on the sidelines of a water polo match, in the stands at a band review, or ringside watching the girls show their market lambs for 4-H and FFA. She was so proud of her family. Cookie and John shared a love of travel and took annual trips with family to Shaver Lake and Cayucos. During their 41 years of marriage they traveled to numerous states to vacation or visit with their family and friends. Cookie had a mischievous streak, a trait which her family believes came from her father. At every family snow trip, she would always throw the first snowball and catch you by surprise. Her smile was wide and her laugh was infectious. Cookie enjoyed scrapbooking and paint classes with friends, trips with the Gadabouts, and hosting paint parties at her home in Springville. Her home is filled with her watercolor and acrylic paintings and she expressed that "[her] inspiration is God's creation." Cookie was a member of the Visalia PPAV Ladies Club for many years, where she volunteered and volunteered her family members in various events. She always put the needs of others first, and did so with a willing heart. She loved the Lord and was always praying. Her advice for her husband and children in difficult times was always "say a prayer." Cookie was preceded in death by her father Tony H. Soares and her in-laws Myrl L. and Alice L. Tollison. She is survived by her husband, John Tollison of Springville; daughters Janeva Tollison-Spratt (Ryan), Marlee Tollison (Ryan), and Tamara Tollison; mother Eva Soares of Visalia; sister Jeannie Williams of Tulare; brothers Tony Soares Jr. of Visalia, and Eddie Soares (Sheri) of Exeter; many nieces and nephews, god children, family, and friends. Condolences may be sent to www.salseranddillard.com Visitation will be from 4:00-6:00 PM on Thursday, January 10, with the Holy Rosary being prayed at 6:00 PM at Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:00 AM on Friday, January 11 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Visalia, CA. Burial will immediately follow at Visalia District Cemetery, and a reception will follow at the PPAV Hall in Visalia. All are welcome. Condolences can be made to www.salseranddillard.com

Marian Kathleen Tollison

December 18, 1955 - December 30, 2018