Marian Rose Harrington

Marian Rose Harrington of San Francisco passed away peacefully with family by her side October 10, 2012, at age 94. Born in Mt. Blanchard, Ohio, on June, 28, 1918 to Dean and Mary Opal Cunningham. Marian was the oldest of four siblings. In 1940, she graduated from Bowling Green University, where she met her first husband, Donald Wendell Grisier, both music majors.

During World War II, Marian worked in a munitions factory making periscopes for submarines, while her husband served in the signal corps in North Africa. After the war, she and Don moved to Oakridge, Tennessee, where they both taught in the public schools. Marian served as the choir director for the elementary school in which she taught. In 1948, they moved to New York City, where her husband pursued a doctorate in music education from Columbia University.

After his graduation from Columbia in 1951, Marian moved with her husband to San Diego, California, where he accepted a professorship at San Diego State College. Marian became a homemaker. Her only son Philip was born in 1954. She enjoyed hosting parties for the professors and arranging annual Christmas caroling parties that toured her neighborhood with holiday cheer.

After her divorce in 1964, Marian resumed her teaching career in elementary schools. She returned to school herself, earning a master's degree in special education. She married her second husband, Karl Harrington, a real-estate agent, in 1968. They spent many happy days touring the southwestern desert in their camper together.

Her second husband died in 1972, and Marian continued teaching 2nd graders with learning disabilities until her retirement in 1976. About that time, Marian became a dedicated member of the Vedanta Society, a religious organization based on the teachings of Ramakrishna, a 19thCentury Indian saint. She helped charter the Vedanta Society chapter in San Diego, which used her home as its initial meeting place and house of worship.

In 1986, Marian moved to the San Francisco area, where she became a dedicated member of the Vedanta Society of Northern California. She held various key positions over the years, which included the Treasurer and Secretary of the Board of Directors. The Women's Retreat House in Olema, just north of San Francisco, was one of Marian's most cherished assignments. Her contributions to the society were a living example of selfless service. Her enormous spirit is her legacy and will continue to inspire all who knew her.

In 2006, due to failing health, Marian stepped down from her daily work for the Vedanta Society. She entered assisted living and then lived in a dementia care facility. Her capacities were diminished, but her spirit remained strong. She enjoyed the special birthday lunches the home made for her, which featured her favorites, salmon and crab. The caregivers all loved her very much, because as they said, "She never complained."

Marian was preceded in death by her sister Mary Veit, of Gahana, Ohio, and her brother Arthur Cunningham of Ada, Ohio. She is survived by her son, Philip Grisier, of San Francisco, and her sister, Donna Kerns of Dorena, Oregon. According to her wishes, her body will be cremated and the ashes scattered at sea.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 27, 3:00 PM, at The Old Vedanta Temple, 2963 Webster Street, San Francisco. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to a charity of your choice.