Marion Willis Titcomb

On August 3, 2017 , Marion Willis Titcomb of Columbia, MD ; Beloved wife of Forrest C. Titcomb for nearly 65 years; devoted mother or Timothy Titcomb and wife Leanne; Jennifer Strasel and husband Erik; and Suzanne Henig and husband Robert; loving grandmother of Emily, Kevin, Andy, and Zachary Strasel, and Sam Henig.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, August 11, 2017, 11:00 a.m. at Christ Episcopal Church, 6800 Oakland Mills Rd. Columbia, MD 21045 with a reception immediately following in the church’s hospitality room. Should friends desire, contributions may be made to Doctors without Borders or a charity of your choice.

Marion was born in 1925 in Burlington, Vermont to Sarah and Edward Willis. Her sister Lena died when Marion was 6, so she essentially grew up as an only child. She had a happy childhood and a good relationship with her parents. Growing up, Marion made several lifelong friends whom she cherished all her life. Marion Santerre, her best friend for over 80 years, held a special place in her heart.

Marion planned to be a nurse but was twice refused admission to nursing school due to ‘spots’ on her lungs. She entered Business College instead and was forever grateful for that unplanned change in direction. She happily worked for two deans of the College of Technology at the University of Vermont, where she met Forrest. They married and moved to Maryland in 1952. Marion maintained contact with both deans’ families for decades.

Much of Marion’s life revolved around church. She and Forrest attended St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church in Washington, DC from 1952-2014 and, concurrently, Christ Episcopal Church after their move to Columbia, MD in 1994. Marion lived her religion through service to others. She was a dedicated volunteer in many capacities, including with the St. Timothy’s Elderly Program for 15 years. She was a caring and engaged listener, and many friends and neighbors turned to her when they needed a sympathetic ear. Over the years she and Forrest welcomed many people who needed emotional or physical care into their home for hours, days, or weeks at a time.

Marion was a wonderful and prolific letter writer. She started keeping a diary in her preteen years and continued until her stroke in 2013, leaving over 80 years of her memories in the form of daily entries to her diary. A school pen pal assignment with an English girl led to a 75-year friendship including visits on both sides of the pond. Over the years Marion wrote to friends serving in World War II, neighbors serving in the Persian Gulf War, and others serving time in prison. She connected with her mother’s friends and extended family members as well as closer family and childhood friends throughout her life.

In her later years Marion enjoyed attending church and Bible study, reading, keeping up with current events, and visiting with friends and family. Her hobby was creating and sending greeting cards and notes for all occasions. Hundreds of people have enjoyed her thoughtful and beautifully written notes in her neat and tiny handwriting. While her energy and writing ability diminished over the past few years, she continued to make every effort to express her love to her wide circle of loved ones.

Marion was a loving and supportive wife and mother until the end. She and Forrest created a warm and comforting home where there was never a doubt that family was their top priority. Their children are grateful to have been raised by such good people who every day modeled kindness, responsibility, respect and empathy.

Marion lived a good life with those she loved and who loved her. She made a difference in the lives of many people and will be missed very much.