Marie Doyle Whitehill

1938 - 2016

Marie Doyle Whitehill

December 12, 1938 - January 12, 2016

Having lived a full and vibrant life, Marie died peacefully at home in San Mateo, CA, on January 12, 2016, at age 77. She was taken from us all too soon by ALS, also known as 'Lou Gehrig's Disease.' Marie was the devoted wife of Robert B. Whitehill of San Mateo, CA, and proud mother of Cynthia G. Lima of Larkspur, CA.
Marie is survived by her husband and daughter, as well as Cindy's spouse, Kathy Burkart, and her granddaughters, Lindsey and Paige Burkart-Lima. She leaves behind her stepchildren, Bobby Whitehill of Oakland, CA, and Dr. Wendy Cook of Palo Alto, CA, and their families, her dear sister Joanna McPherson of Oceanside, CA, and many other family members and friends with whom she shared her warm personality, generosity and positive spirit.
Marie was a self-made woman built of determination, beauty and grace. Born in San Diego, CA, she was the eldest of three girls and adored her grandparents. She moved to San Francisco, married, had Cindy at age 22 and began working as a bank teller at Eureka Federal Savings. Breaking the glass ceiling at every step, she held managerial and executive positions at financial institutions including Home Savings and Loan, Crocker Bank, First Interstate Bank, and California Bank and Trust.
In 1973, Marie married John Doyle and their blended family lived in Pacifica until 1976 and then in San Mateo until 1982.
Following her banking career, Marie worked at Intero Real Estate and later was a partner of an interior design firm, Designing Women. Anyone who stepped foot into one of Marie's homes witnessed her panache, the same exceptional style that Marie exuded in everything she wore and did.
In 2000, Marie and Bob Whitehill married. They attended USC football games across the country, San Jose Sharks games in Canada and the U.S., and traveled and cruised around the world. They always looked forward to their annual trip to the "Poodle Parade" in Carmel with their beloved poodles, Mr. Tucker and Miss Cassie.
To know Marie was to know her zeal for sports, particularly for "her team" the San Francisco Giants. Marie could rival anyone on the stats of every player.
In recent years, Marie served on the board of the San Mateo Police Activities League, enjoyed a wonderful knitting circle and spent great times with a go-getter group of friends.
Fun facts about Marie: She ran the Bay-to-Breakers, was a fabulous cook, earned her pilot's license, and was a spirited flag-twirler in high school. Annual holiday ornament parties with longtime friends brought her joy, and she treasured summer weeks relaxing at Stinson Beach with her daughter's family and her dogs.
Marie was a truly delightful, one-of-a-kind, talented and sophisticated woman who brightened our lives in indescribable ways. She was a loving and fiery soul who will forever be missed but kept close in our hearts.
Bob and Cindy are deeply grateful for all the love and support so many shared with them throughout Marie's long illness.
A private reception will be held to celebrate Marie's life.
Donations in Marie's honor may be made to:
ALS Center at UCSF Medical Center - c/o UCSF Foundation, Box 45339, San Francisco, CA 94145-0339
San Mateo Police Activities League - 200 Franklin Parkway, San Mateo, CA 94403