Marlys Jane McClaran

Marlys Jane McClaran, PhD November 20, 1938 - June 25, 2017 Our beautiful, loving wife, mother, grandmother, Marlys Jane McClaran, 78, passed away on June 25, 2017 peacefully with her family by her side. She was born in Sioux City, Iowa on November 20, 1938 to Lauren Clark and Leota Marion Green McClaran and grew up alongside her younger sister Dorothy. She graduated top of her class at American Community High School in Buenos Aires, Argentina in 1955. She earned her PhD and became Professor of Linguistics from Radcliffe at Harvard University. She taught at UCLA in California and as a teacher in the Los Angeles School District. Marlys traveled with her children to study in the Yucatan Peninsula and South America. Her adventures took her to the South Pacific and South Africa.Marlys loved music and played the piano, flute, and violin. She enjoyed her jam sessions with her friend Jean Harrison Siegler. Marlys is survived by her husband Eberhardt Gast, her children Christopher and (Regina) Wendell, Alex Wendell, Alain Stefflre, Eric Stefflre and Eberhardt Gast Jr. (Leslie Buck); grandchildren Michael and Alexis.She was preceded in death by her parents and sister Dorothy. No funeral services will be held. The family would like to thank Victory Hospice. A special thanks to Mara for the care she gave so Marlys could stay in her home prior to her passing. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.dignitymemorial.com/pierce-brothers-westwood-village-memorial-park