She graduated from Kerman High School where she met the love of her life Howard. They happily made their home in Kerman and were married for 45 years until his passing in 2009. After high school, she went to cosmetology school and worked as a stylist until the birth of her first child in 1967. She loved her years at home being a mom to Lori and Lana, as well as helping Howard with the ranch business. Once the girls were both in school, she went to work for Kerman Unified as a teachers/health aide for more than 25 years. After retiring she worked as a secretary for a few years to occupy her time. In 2011, she decided to move to Fresno to be closer to her children. She loved country life but enjoyed the new convenience of being close to everything.
Marie loved time spent with her husband Howard. They enjoyed numerous vacations in their travel trailer. They were proud and dedicated supporters of Fresno State basketball, holding season tickets for many years. They lived a simple life and treasured the time they spent together.
She was very big on tradition, she loved to cook and bake. She instilled those passions in her children and grandchildren. She was an incredible seamstress, sewing most of the clothing that her children wore when they were young. She took that love of sewing into her later life by doing alterations for her family, making costumes and pretty much sewing anything that anyone needed. A couple of the most treasured items she made were beautiful picnic quilts for her daughters.
Marie was devoted to her family and loved family gatherings as well as attending all events related to her children and grandchildren. As her daughters were growing up, she never missed an event no matter what it was. Later, she continued that dedication by always being at her grandchildren’s multiple activities. Her family could always rely on her to be there.
She was preceded in death by her husband Howard. She is survived by her daughters and son in laws, Lori and Craig Parker of Coarsegold and Lana and Eleazar Lawson of Oregon, as well as five grandchildren, Scott and Sarah Parker, Kaitlyn Dewey and Rachel and Megan Lawson.
A graveside service will be held at Fresno Memorial Gardens on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at 11:00 am.
