Carol Marie Spiller Magenau

Carol Marie Spiller Magenau Carol Marie Spiller Magenau, age 88, of Sarah A. Reed Retirement Center, and formerly of 3840 Myrtle Street, passed away on December 17 following a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. Carol devoted her life to the promotion of art, the appreciation of international cultures, and increased understanding between racial and ethnic groups. Carol began her career as a dress designer and throughout her life showed a flair for fashion as well as a passion for photography, literature and art. She promoted local artists and, from early work with the International Institute, developed a deep appreciation for international cultures. Carol also championed efforts to eliminate poverty, to narrow the racial divide, and to provide resources for Erie's migrant workers. Her home was known for its hospitality to people from around the world as well as Erieites of all backgrounds and circumstances. Carol was born in Erie on May 10, 1918, the daughter of the late Cornelius MacLaren Spiller and Inez Marie Daniels Spiller. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Frederick and William Spiller, and four sisters, Myrtle Kirtin, Essie Solmonsen, Adelaide McDivitt and Jane Collins. She is survived by Walter W. Spiller of Erie, Constance M. Cross of Bluffton, S.C., Mary Seyler of Laguna Woods, Calif. and Phyllis Ann Gehrlein of Canoga Park, Calif. Her husband, J. Martin Magenau, Jr. of 65 years, is also a resident of Sarah A. Reed Retirement Center. She is survived by her children Martina M. Jacobs of Pittsburgh, John M. Magenau III, of Fairview; and Kunda (Carol S.) Magenau of Carmel, Ind.; and her grandchildren J.M. Magenau, IV of Chicago, Ill., Andrew J.D. Magenau of Hattiesburg, Miss., Gillian MacLaren Jacobs of New York, N.Y. and Kyle MacLaren Brennan of Carmel, Inn.. A memorial service will be held at a future date. In accordance with Carol's wishes, her body has been donated to the University of Pittsburgh's Alzheimer Disease Research Center. In lieu of flowers, it is suggested that contributions be made in her memory to Alzheimer Disease Research Center (Attention: Leslie Dunn, MPH, ADRC Administrator); University of Pittsburgh; UPMC Montefiore, Four West; 200 Lothrop Street; Pittsburgh, PA 15213-2582; Community of Caring, 245 East 8th Street, P.O Box 204, Erie, PA 16512, or Sarah Reed Retirement Community, 227 West 22nd Street, Erie PA 16502. Arrangements by Burton Funeral Home, 602 West 10th Street. Send condolences at www.Burtonfuneralhome.com. Sign the guestbook at www.GoErie.com/obits.