Marlene, the first of four siblings, was born in Winnipeg, Canada to Eileen (Sim) and Neil Braidwood. The family moved to the US when she was four, she grew up in Minneapolis and Orange County, and came to Santa Rosa at age 17. She graduated from Montgomery High School in 1967, Santa Rosa Junior College in 1969, and Sonoma State in 1972, earning her teaching credentials. Marlene married Gary Mahan in 1970, and welcomed sons Josh in 1973 and Brian in 1975. Marlene spent the early years of marriage raising her boys, supporting her husband through school, and part-time teaching. She began teaching second grade full-time in 1983 in Windsor, where she retired in 2007, and continued substitute teaching until 2019.
One of Marlene’s happiest places was in her classroom, where she spent years organizing, labeling, and perfecting her curriculum. She loved helping students create a book each year in partnership with her favorite author Robert Munsch and enjoyed creating her “apple math” and “chocolate bar math” along with many other tools to help kids learn. She built lifelong friendships with many of her teaching colleagues, and looked forward to their rowdy games of Bunco. Even when she wasn’t in a classroom, she was gently giving lessons to those around her, encouraging others to wear a hat, put on sunscreen, and eat more fruit.
Marlene was a lifetime volunteer and advocate. After losing her son Josh, she dedicated herself to supporting other families with mental illness. She served as a member of the board of the National Alliance for Mental Illness in Sonoma County, leading the Tools For Transition program for decades. She attended the Center for Spiritual Living for over 30 years, serving in many capacities, including youth leader and hospitality. Being a “universal donor”, she also made countless blood donations throughout her life.
Marlene loved being active and treasured the long-lasting friendships that she formed. A key part of her routine included aqua classes in the pool at Parkpoint, and when classes were cancelled for COVID, she organized safe get-togethers to stay connected. Her days as a Sierra Club member deepened her love of the outdoors; she was always up for a hike at the redwoods or a walk at Doran Beach to visit the memorial bench for Josh. She was an avid dancer, serving on the board of the North Bay Contra Dance Society for many years. After retirement, she participated in more than 80 weekend dances, organizing carpools and group photographs, and hosting dancers from out of town at her home. Her favorites were always waltzes, and she would sew pennies into her skirts to make them twirl. Her dance community remembers her joy, her smile, and her welcoming spirit, always noticing and encouraging new dancers.
Marlene is preceded in death by her parents Eileen (Sim) and Neil Braidwood; son Joshua Mahan, and brother Gary Braidwood. She is survived by son, Brian (Michelle) Mahan of Portland, Oregon; siblings Roger Braidwood of Dallas, Texas and Sheri (Frank) Leslie of Murphy, Texas; niece, Allyson Leslie and nephews, Zach and Eli Braidwood, and grandniece Natoli Rose Braidwood. Her family included Olivia Granados and she was “GramMarlene” to Mia and Gus Granados of Phoenix, Arizona.
Here at the Center we remember Marlene with great love. She was one of our founding members as the Center moved to Occidental Rd. She served for many years with great wisdom and grace in many capacities. Remembering her, makes us smile.
Family and Friends are invited to attend a memorial service at Center for Spiritual Living, 2075 Occidental Rd, Santa Rosa, on Saturday July 13, 2024, at 10:00 am.
No comments:
Post a Comment