A Piece of Her Heart

After hearing the kind words of so many people at Marian’s service after her passing, I realized that I was just one of the hundreds of people who Marian gave a little piece of her heart, and her time, to show them new ways to enjoy life. I met Marian through a volunteer group for breast cancer patients named Shanti. Marian invited Shanti and me into her life in early 2008. From the first day I met her, I knew that the time I spent with Marian was going to be enjoyable, unique, and enlightening. I initially thought Marian had brought Shanti into her life to have someone help out with things like picking up groceries, organic foods and teas, planting vegetables and flowers, cleaning up around the house, and to find someone to play a tiny, almost insignificant practical and emotional support role relative to the support she received from Len, Austin, her parents and her other family members and friends every day. It became quite obvious, after only a few afternoons with Marian, that like so many other individuals and organizations, I was invited into Marian’s life under the premise that I would be providing the assistance and support, but in reality, it was me who received the gift – the gift of spending time in the presence of someone so unique, selfless, thoughtful, and dynamic. Marian was a truly special person, someone who could make a positive impact on someone’s life in just a few brief moments.

Marian – I only hope our fun days together were even half as meaningful to you as they were to me. I will always miss you, and will never forget you.

Brent

I am without proper words to truly express how profoundly Marian touched me. From the moment I met her I was, and will continue to be, inspired by her courage and fight to get the most out of her life and live it true to herself. Knowing Marian changed me in so many ways, from having the courage to hold my doctors accountable to finally taking Tai Chi, having my first-ever scoop of Mitchell's avocado ice cream and dress with a little more spunk. Even cancer could not touch her beauty or her spirit, and I will miss her so dearly. Dear, dear, Marian, may you float to peace on the feathers and strong wings of all our love.

Mary Love

Red Lava Cakes

Heyo,

To me, these pictures remind me of Red perfectly in her space - we (Red, Marilyn Lee and I) were making a batch of chocolate lava cakes (she would flush when she ate them - it may have been the most significant positive reaction to my cooking) and she let our dog Zuma lick the butter she was working with from her fingers when she thought nobody was watching...

Fortunately, my wife Dori was recording the process for posterity.

Best wishes,

jim

"Who Made You the Fashion Police?"

My name is Chelsea. My mother, Lillian, was fortunate in being able to work briefly with Marian, for about a year, I believe, and in that time, I also befriended Marian.

I remember I was in junior high, and having a hard time with school and such. I hated junior high, but Marian always had words of wisdom and advice for me, to make it better, when kids were mean about anything. When it, in particular, concerned clothing, she had a saying for that: "Who made you the fashion police?" She always let me try on her clothes and shoes. In fact, I think there was one time, at one of her great parties, when I actually did like trying on her clothes and such. It was so fun to go visit her (when she lived in Dickinson, ND) and her three cats- Mac, Piglet, and I can't remember the third one's name (Wimpy, perhaps?)

My best memory of Marian is that she had this incredible fashion sense, incredible spirit, and was just an incredible person overall. She graced everyone's lives with her presence and she was, hopefully, never taken for granted. May she find peace and may the angels lead her in.

Water Bowl Retreat 2008

My husband and I were so saddened to hear about Marian. She and I formed a very close bond during last year's Water Bowl Retreat at Vajrapani. I just adore her and am grieving her loss. We live in Huntington Beach, CA, so are unable to attend the memorial service, but our hearts are with everyone. Marian was so special to us, kind, loving, thoughtful, and incredibly giving. We had no idea how ill she was because she was always tending to others, giving back rubs and yoga stretches to ease our tired bodies. She will be greatly missed.

With much love and many prayers,
Sandi & Will Manson