Marion Barnett

She was a life-long resident of San Diego and, later, La Mesa except for a couple of years during World War II when her husband, Walt, was stationed in Seattle. The family lived in Bothell. When Walt was transferred to New Caledonia, Marion moved back to San Diego with their children, Sally and Bill. Later, Mary and Mike were added to the family to make it complete.

She was twelve years old when Charles Lindbergh made his famous solo flight across the Atlantic. Marion and neighbor Craig Noel, who later became the founding director of the Old Globe Theater, were walking along University Avenue under the Georgia Street Bridge when the newsboys began shouting that Lindbergh had landed successfully in Paris. Marion remembered being excited because her father, George Robinson, was foreman of the crew that gave the final check to the custom engine of the Spirit of St. Louis prior to its initial take-off. The plane was built in San Diego at the former fish cannery building owned by Ryan Airlines Corporation in an amazing 60 days to allow Lindbergh to enter the famous New York to Paris competition.

After raising her children, Marion took up her paintbrushes and became accomplished in the medium of watercolors. Sometimes, family or friends gave her a photograph or an idea which she then turned into a beautiful painting. She invited friends Virginia Morrissey and Dr. Lee Edgar to set up their easels in her screened porch, and the three spent many cheerful hours creating their masterpieces, happily inspired by the beautiful view of El Cajon valley and the friendships they were blessed to share.

While Walt was principal at Grossmont High School, Marion hosted luncheons and dinners for faculty and dignitaries. Walt was a graduate of Grossmont High School and had been a coach there as well as a counselor and vice-principal before he served as principal and chief supporter of GHS from 1959-1976. Affectionately known as “Mr. Grossmont,” he would have quickly told you that one of the secrets of his success was his gracious helpmate, Marion.

She and Walt also hosted a luncheon in their beautiful home on the edge of Mt. Helix for Ronald Reagan just prior to his campaign for governor of California. GHS graduate Astronaut Bill Anders of Apollo 8 (the first crew to travel to the moon) was also a luncheon guest.

Marion was active for many years at Evangelical Bible Church in La Mesa and served in leadership positions there in addition to hosting Bible studies and various luncheons and dinners in her home.

Ever the perfect hostess, Marion always kept a journal of Christmas celebrations including menus, parties, events, guests, and gifts given and received. A favorite Christmas memory for the grandchildren was hearing Grandma read aloud the hilarious tale of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever and other stories and poems.

For her 100th birthday, her two daughters hosted a luncheon for Marion's daughters, daughters-in-law, granddaughters, nieces, and a few close friends. Her church family at EBC La Mesa hosted a party a few days later for Marion and her extended family, many of whom traveled great distances to attend the joyous celebration.

Marion is survived by her four children and their spouses, eight grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, four great-great grandchildren, as well as nieces and nephews and their children and grandchildren. Walt, her husband of nearly 50 years, preceded her in death in 1982.

Marion requested that in lieu of flowers at her memorial service she preferred remembrance gifts be sent to Evangelical Bible Church, 8742 Lemon Avenue, La Mesa, CA 91941.