Marilee Layne Wasell's Obituary
Dr. Marilee Layne Wasell is a mentor. The present tense is required because her wisdom and knowledge will continue to grow and live on in all her patients, students, colleagues and kiddos she has touched. She loves her doggies more than anything in the universe because they are gloriously, perfectly themselves. She passionately and forever loves her husband, Lars, because he is the kindest person she knows.
Beginning with her birth in Calgary Alberta, Canada, Marilee has been an avid student of life and deeply devoted to learning. She was the first bilingual class in Western Canada, attending St. Luke Elementary. She attended William Aberhart High School in Calgary, and went on to attend University of Calgary; she obtained a Master of Science degree in psychophysiology and a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology. Dr. Wasell was deeply devoted to LGBT community, she was a Staff Psychologist at The Center in San Diego and supported the community in her private practice. Her accomplishments include the development of an adolescent peer mentoring program that was selected as a federal best practice and spotlighted in the U.S. Department of Labor’s newsletter. Additionally, she was chosen to consult on development of assessment/psychological testing guidelines for the Department of Labor. She was a presenter at the Department of Labor’s health and wellness conference on solution-focused therapy. Dr. Wasell’s work at Sovereign Health, Rancho San Diego Adolescent Dual Diagnosis Program as Site Training Director is unprecedented. She served as a committee member for the San Diego Psychological Association. Dr. Wasell was an elected member on the California Psychology Internship Council’s executive board. One of her proudest professional moments was participating in the DSM-5 Field Trials in Routine Clinical Practice, as a DSM-5 Field Trials Collaborating Investigator.
Marilee possessed a radiant smile that lit up a room. Her passion towards helping others was unparalleled. It was clear to everyone that her work was not just a profession, it is who she IS. Her professionalism was impeccable, herself the constant student, thirsting always for more learning and sharing it with others. She is an amazing supervisor and was able to challenge and teach while empowering those around her. She is able to infuse positivity and light dealing with the most difficult situations. She is an inspiration to all of her interns and colleagues, leaving a massive void in the mental health field; she will never be forgotten and most defiantly never replaced. She was unconditional and compassionate beyond reproach; she had an unlimited capacity to understand the needs of those who were suffering, specifically the adolescents who knew Dr. Wasell was a kindred soul and just “got them” as only Dr. Wasell could!
Marilee’s time with us was cut short on September 16th, 2016. Her spirit, love and compassion will be honored by her Husband Lars, Mother Carol, Sister Dawn, Nephew Iain, Nephew Sven, Niece Carina, and Niece Linnea. Her Bother-in-law Darrell, Sisters-in-law Birgitta and Christina, Father-in-law Kent and Aunt Siv will keep her in their hearts. She will be forever in the hearts of her Uncle Ken, Aunt Karen, Aunt Margaret, Aunt Joan, Uncle Ray, Aunt Lois, Uncle Ron, Uncle Merv and Aunt Viki as well as many cousins.
Marilee “Pepe” essence and maternal love will be forever treasured by Larkin, Brandon and Havilyn. Her family in Calgary, Drayton Valley, Eckville, and San Diego will cherish the time they had with her. Marilee’s beloved Urban Family will continue to carry her knowledge and take her light to end of the universe.
In lieu of sorrow, express your love. Smile when the people you cherish enter a room. Let them see your eyes light up. Again and again.
Those wishing to make a contribution to the world on Marilee’s behalf can make a donation to some of her most loved communities:
Mama’s Kitchen – Donation Page for Marilee Wasell, PhD.
Humane Society – Donation Page
A Celebration of Life will begin at 3:00 p.m. October 1st, 2016, 4600 Harbinson Ave
La Mesa, CA 91942 with special contributions at 6:00p.m. All are welcome to join and celebrate Marilee’s life into the evening. Condolences can be sent to 4600 Harbinson Ave, La Mesa, CA 91942. If you have further questions about the service please contact Dawn DiAnda at [email protected] or 858-603-4436
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