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1917
2015
Marion Modena
July 10, 1917 - January 12, 2015
Resident of Oakland
Marion Modena was born in Montrose, South Dakota and passed away in Oakland, at the proud age of 97.
Several serious childhood illnesses and the resulting coma left Modena with visibly disabled arm and leg. However, Modena had an indomitable spirit and seemed to take these physical challenges in her stride and get on with her life.
Modena's artistic gift was evident early in her life, when she would illustrate her sister Dorothy's poems. After college, Modena taught high school art classes in South Dakota. Her talent and ambition led her to Oakland, where she received her Masters of Fine Arts from the then California College of Arts and Crafts, specializing in commercial art and graphic design.
Memos by Modena, her complete art and printing service, provided distinctive advertising media for many California companies and realtors. Modena also did beautiful watercolors and line drawings throughout her life. She was especially proud of her show of Oakland landmarks in the gallery of the East Bay Municipal Utility District, when she was in her 80s.She enjoyed her membership in the Berkeley PACE Center of the Centers for Elders' Independence program and was honored to have another showing of her landmark paintings at one of their fundraisers when she was in her 90s.
Modena was a member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, where she was the member of longest standing. She was a member of the Caring Circle and Membership Committees and sent birthday cards and other greetings to church members. Her continuing contribution is a pen and ink drawing she made of the church entry, used in church publications.
Empathic with the underdog, Modena contributed her time and clear writing skills as an advocate in consumer disputes through the Grey Panthers.
Modena's marriage to Claude Scott ended with his early death. She continued welcoming people into her heart, sharing her love and friendship with friends of long standing. She was curious about people and easily made new friends.
Modena will be remembered for a smile which lit up the room, her gift of friendships, her artistic ability, her dry and ready wit, and her love of the color orange, pralines and cream ice cream and birthday celebrations at the Fat Lady Restaurant.
Modena's life will be celebrated on Sunday, April 26, at 12:30pm in the Fireside Room of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, One Lawson Road, Kensington, CA 94707.
Donations in her memory may be made to UUCB or the Berkeley PACE Center, Centers for Elders' Independence, 1497 Alcatraz Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94702.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by East Bay Times.
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