Mary Lanphier Sage, 67, passed peacefully from this life on October 10, 2018 in Greenbrae, CA. She was born on September 2, 1951 in Reading, PA to the late Betsy D. and Basil T. Lanphier. She was a graduate of Schuylkill Valley High School, held an Associate’s Degree from the College of Marin, and was close to finishing her Bachelor’s Degree. Mary was a lifelong artist, a self-described maker, and a disability advocate who worked for the College of Marin in Student Accessibility Services. She was a nature and animal lover with a special affinity for horses, otters, and dogs (especially her beloved Jack Russel Terrier, Luna). In her most recent years, she often cared for others’ pets on a temporary basis.
Ever the Virgo, Mary was fiercely independent, and was always trying new things, reading, and making. You name it and Mary could create it. Her art appeared in shows throughout her life. She drew, etched, did encaustic work; sewed, embroidered and cross-stitched; cut jigsaw puzzles; made glass art; made jewelry; painted houses, inside and out; she stenciled and hung wallpaper; painted murals for businesses around the Bay Area; and made unique home décor for individuals. She made greeting cards that could be found across the country. She was an athlete, a white water rafting guide, a licensed diver, a fisherwoman, a cancer survivor, a wife, and a mother.
Mary spent more than 40 years making California her home and touching lives with her unique style, creativity, and kindness.
Mary is survived by her daughters: Hannah Sage, Berkeley, CA and Rachael Bauer, Arlington, VA; grandchildren, Lauren Bauer and Eric Bauer, Arlington, VA; brother Tom Lanphier, Macau, China; sister Katherine Lanphier, Reading, PA; and grand dogs Tater and Phoebe.
In lieu of flowers, Mary’s family is requesting donations to the Marin Humane Society.
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