Marianne A. DETRICH

Passed away peacefully at home on August 20, 2012 surrounded by her family at age 87. Born in Maud, OK, she was the first of five children born to Moree Constance and Rue Lafayette Alexander. Her mother died when she was nine, and she and her four brothers were taken care by relatives until her grandmother, Minnie Alexander, reunited the family and raised them in Dallas, TX. Marianne moved to California after high school, and became an apprentice under a physician in Santa Barbara to qualify as a medical laboratory technologist. Her career spanned over 40 years, and included working at Good Samaritan Hospital in Los Angeles and Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla. Marianne regretted that a case of tuberculosis in her late teens prohibited her from being admitted to college, but she was still able to achieve her career goals. It also never deterred her from being a life-long learner and extremely well read. She married William Frank and they resided in San Francisco. Tragically, he died before their first anniversary. His mother, Lavon "Lovie" Schade and Marianne retained a loving mother-daughter relationship until Lovie's death. Marianne subsequently found and married the love of her life, Homer Detrich. They lived in San Diego, where Homer was the Director of the Public Welfare Dept for San Diego County. After Homer's retirement in 1978, they travel more extensively all over the world, often off the beaten track. Travels included trips to Russia, China, Mongolia, Africa, Thailand, Japan, India, Egypt, Israel, Greece, Turkey, Morocco and Europe. Prior to trips, Marianne studied and learned the history and culture of their destinations, and with other areas of interest became truly well educated. When she retired in 1988, Marianne and Homer moved to Santa Rosa living closer to daughter Barbara. After Homer's passing in 1989, Marianne remained involved in the Welfare League, St. Eugene's, and more travel. A master at crossword puzzles, she also enjoyed classical music. She was loved for her sweet nature that endeared her to many, and she will be greatly missed by family and friends. Marianne is survived by daughter Barbara Gallagher (Robert); step-children Robert Detrich (Michelle), Dorothy Jean Normark, and daughter-in-law Rosemary Detrich; sister-in-law Jackie Alexander; and half-siblings Nada Alexander, Stanwood Alexander, and Richard Alexander. Loving grandmother of Tracy Gallagher, Kevin Gallagher, Bonnie (Tom) Sheridan, Julie (Thierry) Duplenne, Liz Farris, Gregg (Pam) Detrich, Justin (Stacey) Detrich, Kirsten (Robert) Evans; great grandmother of Justin Farris, Reilly Detrich, Sydney Detrich, Madison Evans, Tyler and Alexis Evans. She was preceded in death by brothers Millard, Gene, Robert and Garland; half-brother David and step-son John. A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, September 21, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Eugene's Cathedral, 2323 Montgomery Dr., Santa Rosa. Contributions in Marianne's memory may be made to the Charles M. Schulz Museum, 2301 Hardies Lane, Santa Rosa, CA 95403 or the Santa Rosa Symphony, 50 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa, CA 95404. Daniels Chapel of the Roses 525-3730