Erla Mae Wolfsen Marley Curtin
October 3, 1931 – April 28, 2026

Erla passed peacefully in her sleep on April 28, 2026 at the age of 94 in San Clemente, California. She was born on October 3, 1931 in Los Angeles, California to Floyd and Madge Wolfsen. She attended North Hollywood High School, and was a member of Job’s Daughters. Erla graduated from nursing school at UCLA and went on to work in various hospital settings including surgical unit, general medical care, psychiatric unit and the emergency department. Later Erla attended California State University Fullerton to receive her bachelor in nursing, then on to her master’s degree as a pediatric nurse practitioner. She also worked as a school nurse for the Irvine Unified School District, volunteered as camp counselor at an AIDS organization called Strength for the Journey and Planned Parenthood. Later Erla worked at an evening clinic, Doctor After Dark, designed to care for children and adults who need medical attention after regular business hours. After retirement she worked as the parish nurse at Palisades United Methodist Church where she led exercise classes, and held health clinics.

Erla had four children from her marriage to Ronald Marley. Her eldest son, Steven Marley, preceded her in passing. She is survived by Larry Marley and his wife Nancy, Linda Marley Fern and her husband Tony, and David Marley. Erla was blessed with four grandchildren Laura Ulyate and her husband Sean, Christopher Marley, Percy Marley, and Cordelia Marley. Erla’s two great-grandchildren are Kyle Ulyate and Marley Ulyate. Family was very important to Erla. She never stopped caring and always held them up in prayer. Erla was instrumental in helping her children find their educational goals and career paths. She was an involved parent by being a Den Mother for her sons’ Boy Scouts Troop, chaperon for Girl Scout events, swim teams, Little League and field trips. Erla was PTA President for Palmyra Elementary School in Orange, California, and volunteered to be Room-Mother for classroom parties and events.

Erla had a very special relationship with her half-brother Terry Wolfsen, where they spoke on the phone every Sunday afternoon. Terry preceded her in passing in August 2025, but she never forgot their bond and the memories they shared about the vacations together, including a cruise to South America. Erla truly missed him.

Erla was a very creative person being proficient on the piano, singing, painting, drawing, sewing, knitting and counted cross stitch. Among her friends and family, she was famous for her sense of humor. She enjoyed reading especially mysteries and had a love for travel, especially to Ireland. Her faith was extremely important to her and she spent a lifetime studying her bible. Erla relied on her faith to help sustain her through all that life sent her way.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord will award to me on that day.”
2 Timothy 4:7-8