Marion Elaine Gartner

Marion Elaine Cook Gartner was born on March 3, 1933, and went to be with her Lord on September 1, 2021. She was the eldest daughter of Ernest and Jean Cook who came to America in the 1920s from Germany.

Born in Detroit, Michigan, Marion and her parents moved to Germany for three years after she turned one, making German her first language. Returning to the states in 1937 she continued to be an only child until her sister, Joanne, was born a year later. While growing up in Detroit, Marion had ten years of piano lessons which fostered her love of classical music throughout her life. She graduated from Cooley High school in 1951 and went to Highland Park Junior College studying secretarial science. She worked at Wayne State University as a secretary.

As a very young woman, Marion loved to travel and saw several countries in Europe and especially adored Florence, Italy. She went to Germany to visit her “Tante Hanna” (her dad’s half- sister) and stayed for nine months. She was considering living in Germany and working there since her German was so good but her own mother became sick, so she returned to the states.

She met her future husband, Albert Roy (whom she always called Roy) at age 19 while working at Dodge Main on the outskirts of Detroit. They began dating while he served in the Air Force for four years and upon his discharge, they were married on April 13, 1957, and came to California that summer.

Marion loved California! And what a glorious time to have arrived in this state! With her husband they went everywhere in the golden state exploring and having a wonderful time, settling in Culver City.

Their first daughter, Catherine Marie, arrived 1958 followed by Suzanne Elizabeth in 1959, Cynthia Jeanne in 1963, and son Eric Roy in 1964. With their family complete, the amazing task of raising a large family would begin. Moving from Torrance to Orange County, they purchased a home in Garden Grove, CA. in 1967. Marion was a wonderful homemaker and took great pride in it. She would often say it was the most important career she ever had.

A traditional homemaker, she would drive all her children to their various activities ranging from ballet lessons to baseball games, from singing lessons to Girl Scout meetings. The family didn’t eat much fast food as home cooked meals were the norm. Going to McDonalds on a Friday night was a treat. Raising a large family so close in age takes a lot of planning, and no one was better at organization than Marion. She introduced culture to her children such as the ballet, classical music (which played all the time in our home), art, and museum trips. Our home was always filled with books. Visits to the public library were quite common and introducing her children to the great classic movies was a delight to her family.

Family was the most important thing to Marion and she took great pride in that. Hosting family gatherings like weddings, graduations, Christmas and Thanksgiving with extended family members was always such fun.

Camping was another great love of Marion’s and every year the family would go on extended trips, exploring national and state parks throughout California and some of the western states. Joshua Tree National Park and Anza Borrego State Park were among her favorite desert destinations. In the 80s, backpacking became a staple for her, Roy, their son Eric and daughter Cindy. They explored the Sierra Nevada and other mountain ranges in California. Marion hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and to the top of Mt. Whitney, the highest point in the lower 48, something she was quite proud of.

Marion was a collector and a lover of history! She loved the history of the desert and collected Indian pottery, and paintings from local artists. She also had an extensive Santa Claus collection which was brought out each year for all to enjoy at libraries or at the dining hall at their home in Brookdale.

During her retirement, Marion and Roy moved to the desert in 1990, choosing 29 Palms, a small desert town in California. They became very involved in the community almost immediately. 29 Palms is filled with artists, historians, painters, writers, and readers. Marion was not only a voracious reader, she loved to write. She loved poetry and detailing her travels with her husband in journals. Marion and Roy loved the desert life - its culture, its history, and art. They lived in their beautiful home in the Wonder Valley for 25 years, making many friends and loving every minute of their time there.

For 15 years, she and her husband Roy were editors of the 29 Palms Historical Society Journal and quite involved in the Old School House Museum. Marion got a number of her poems and articles published in The Sun Runner, a local publication. They also had two wonderful dogs that they both adored - Julie and Joshua. The dogs would often travel with them, exploring many places in the Morongo Basin and surrounding areas.

During that time, they traveled to many destinations such as Mexico City, archaeological sites in the Yucatan, Honduras, and Belize. They also went to Thailand, Italy, Alaska, England, Belgium, France, and traveled by car throughout the western United States.

For health reasons, Marion and Roy returned to Orange County, residing in Brookdale Assisted Living in Garden Grove to be closer to family and surrounded by many of the comforts of their home in 29 Palms. During these past six years in Garden Grove they’ve enjoyed trips to Barnes & Noble bookstore, Coco’s, the park, and favorite coffee shops. With family close, they got to know many of their children’s friends as well.

Their cozy apartment at Brookdale was a delight to Marion, as her wonderful paintings were hung around the room, her photo albums were within reach, and most importantly, Roy was with her every day.

Marion’s marriage to Roy for 64 years was one of her greatest achievements. She adored her husband and they were constant companions. It’s so difficult to find the right words describing a marriage of 64 years but it can be said…Through all the triumphs and trials if you’re committed - you’ll find a way…and they did. They taught everyone who knew them what love, sacrifice, and commitment is all about. Marion is now at peace with her Lord and with many who have gone before her. She is on another journey, one which we must all take, and she’s without pain or immobility. One of her favorite Bible verses was from the book of Isaiah 40:31 and it is so fitting in her final years on earth.

“But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary. They shall walk and not faint.”

Marion leaves behind her beloved husband of 64 years, Roy; her sister Joanne and niece Laurie and her husband Dave; great nieces Annie and Caroline; daughter Cathy, her husband Ed and grandson Michael; daughter Suzanne, her partner Grant, and granddaughter Megan; daughter Cindy, her husband Ken; friends Vaughan, James, friends in 29 Palms, and so many others including the wonderful doctors, nurses, and caretakers who helped make her life more comfortable. She was preceded in death by her only son Eric, and brother-in-law Bernie.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the historical society that meant so much to Marion. 29 Palms Historical Society - Old Schoolhouse Museum www.29palmshistorical.com