Reverend Marilynn Ona Gazowsky, D.D.
We remember today dear Reverend Marilynn Ona Gazowsky, D.D., who lived from September 28, 1922 to November 17, 2015.
Sister Marilynn served the Lord as a pastor, choir director, and administrator since 1938. She founded Voice of Pentecost Church and Academy in 1966, which included a total of 7 choirs. She appeared on radio for 17 years, authored ten books, and preached around the world. She was the Vice President to the Inner City Ministry board of the UPC, the General Secretary of Pentecostal Association of Christian Schools. She had her B.A. in music, and also held a Doctorate of Divinity. Her KFAX radio program, “The Voice of Pentecost” always signed off with her poignant words: “I love you San Francisco.” She was so prodigiously gifted and anointed!
Sister Marilynn loved music and started teaching choirs at 16 years old. She was the General Conference Choir Director for the UPC for many years. She played any instrument that was handed to her. She gave private lessons, orchestra leaders and choir directors her passion. She held on with inspiring tenacity and shining integrity, through nine decades of ministry.
She never did anything by half measures. She was always passionate in everything she did. In the street services in Union Square she would play with all her heart. At those Union Square services and also at the church on Eureka street, there were many lost souls who heard the singing and the preaching… and came to know the Lord, were baptized in Jesus’ Name, and received the Baptism of the Holy Ghost! She was a force to be reckoned with in the Kingdom of God and in her city. She was also honored to be included in a city mural.
She had ministries for the homeless, including feeding them, and having special church services just for them. She opened and operated a Men’s Home which was dedicated for men coming out of addiction and alcoholism, and also a Ladies Home. The church hosted services in city parks, had active prison ministries, a bus ministry, ministered to SF State and City college, local hospitals, nursing homes, and so much more.
Marilynn Ona Gazowsky and Victor Gadwin Gazowsky had 4 children Pamela, Victoria, Preston, and Richard. She loved each and every one of her 13 grandchildren, 15 greatgrandchildren, and 2 greatgreat-grandchildren. Along with her foster children, and thousands of church members, many called her mom, and their mother in the Gospel. She was truly a mother to San Francisco and to the very many souls who came under her care.
She was always a lady. Finally, she is resting in His Presence. We have a mixture of tears and smiles, just imagining the music she is enjoying now.
Friends may visit Monday, November 23, 2015, after 9am and are invited to attend Reverend Marilynn Gazowsky’s Homegoing Celebration 12pm at Voice of Pentecost Church, 1970 Ocean Ave, San Francisco. Burial to follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 1000 El Camino Real, Colma.