Marilyn Ann Saindon

1935 - 2024

MARILYN ANN SAINDON

November 16, 1935 – May 7,2024

Marilyn Ann was born on November 16, 1935, in Jenkins, Kentucky, to John and Marie. She forever adored her Mother and Father for giving her a rich tapestry of experiences. Growing up in a Southern family dedicated to progressive liberal ideas, she would go on to live her life dedicated to selfless service. Her father, public school district superintendent and interim Commissioner of Public Education for the State of Kentucky - and proud Methodist, instilled in her the Christian values of charity for all, and the sacredness of preserving the dignity of every man and woman. She loved to talk about how her father allowed his teachers as well as his classified employees, throughout the state, to collectively bargain (before it was ever called that) in the 1930 's. Her Mother, Vanderbilt grad and college professor - and proud Roman Catholic and integrationist - traversed the south and gave to her daughter an intrepid, liberating, and crusading spirit for fun, adventure, and a "go for it " attitude. Marilyn followed in her parents ' footsteps, pursuing a career in education where she was a vocal advocate for civil rights and social justice. Throughout her life she worked tirelessly to advocate for marginalized populations, including children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities. She was a founding member of several non-profit organizations dedicated to social justice and community development. She also served as a mentor and role model for countless young professionals looking to make a difference in the world.

Upon graduation from the University of Florida, she loaded into a convertible with her girlfriends to head to California "for Beverly Hills and movie stars" - having been recruited by Bakersfield School District. Her first assignment was River Boulevard School (now Noble Elementary). Her principal was Mrs. Myra Noble, an austere and intimidating boss that scared the hell out of 23 year old Marilyn. She soon became known for her dedication to her students, always staying late to help struggling students catch up and always going the extra mile to make learning fun and engaging. Marilyn was beloved by her students and respected by her colleagues for her passion for teaching and her unwavering commitment to her students' success. Marilyn would spend the rest of her working days teaching throughout Kern County: from assisting with the start of California's first Head Start Preschool in the 1960's to teaching k through 8 throughout the years. Marilyn never lost her love for teaching and her belief in the power of education to change lives. She continued to inspire generations of students to reach their full potential and instill in them a love of learning that would last a lifetime. Marilyn retired after decades of teaching, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and a lasting impact on the countless lives she touched. Her dedication, passion, and love for teaching will always be remembered by those who were fortunate enough to have had her as their teacher.

From her upbringing it is no wonder that Marilyn would find her soulmate in the free-spirited, Karoack/Ginsberg disciple, radical pacifist: John E. Saindon. She would spend her years as a devoted wife assisting and supporting her husband. Together, they would 'fight the good fight', join the Nobelists of crusades and chase countless 'windmills.' Working for the California Teachers Association and the American Federation of Teachers, they would traverse the state, throughout the 1960's and early '70's in servicing public school teachers on the steps to unionize. They both served on California campaign steering committees for Bobby Kennedy in 1968 and George McGovern in 1972. Our Father, Fulbright Scholar to Rome, with degrees in Latin, history and theology, was chosen by The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops to instruct and train Catholic parishes throughout California on how to institute the Vatican II reforms. Together, they would travel from parish to parish - facing welcoming arms and, sometimes, violent opposition. The Saindon family would find their home and retreat in the Delano Franciscan church of Our Lady of Guadalupe with Father Day And Father Fronski. Sunday mass would be filled with sermons on love and social justice accompanied with lively guitars and congregational singing - obviously, Cumbya was on the list. Through the church my parents worked on two major social justice issues: Justice for farmworkers and Ending the war in Vietnam. Together the two worked tirelessly assisting in the organization of United Farm Workers events and providing draft counseling to young men on navigating the draft process. Together they were founding members of Kern County's first chapter of the ACLU. - The Whole Time...Through thick and thin, trial and tribulation - She made it to every one one of Carla's, Sarah's and John-Paul's 'open houses', sporting events, concerts, and ceremonies; not to mention, making a wonderful breakfast, Lunch, and dinner every day. Her love and devotion to her family was unwavering.

Marilyn never met a food, martini, bottle of wine, dog, resort, music genre, dance floor, museum, good television series, literature genre, beach, or country she didn't like.

Owning 100's of cookbooks, she loved to cook and eat. Experiencing new culinary adventures and restaurants was her hobby. Whether she was indulging in a gourmet tasting menu at a Michelin-starred restaurant in Zurich or enjoying street food from a stand in Shanghai, Marilyn appreciated all types of food experiences. In addition to her love of food, Marilyn was also a connoisseur of fine (ALL) wines and spirits. She enjoyed visiting vineyards and distilleries around the world, learning about the production process and tasting the different varieties. From sipping champagne in the French countryside to sampling sake in Japan, Marilyn had a deep appreciation for the art of wine making and distilling.

When it came to travel, Marilyn was always up for an adventure. She loved exploring new cultures, trying new activities, and immersing herself in the local way of life. Whether she was trekking the Great Wall or lounging on the Lido di Venezia, Marilyn embraced each destination with an open mind and a sense of curiosity. With family she experienced Europe, Asia, Middle East, and Central America. From the Pyramids of Egypt and Mexico to the hiking of Mount Sini and Mt. Fuji...to renting a pensione in Florence... to navigating her way behind the 'Iron Curtain' - When Marilyn traveled she 'lived' the maxim "When in Rome...". But, at the end of the day, 'all roads would lead' to her family home in Carpinteria. The Beach was always her 'go to' paradise. She was most content and happy and at peace spending time in Carpinteria with her husband and kids and later, her grandchildren. Marilyn's passion for exploration and discovery was contagious, and she inspired those around her to step out of their comfort zones and experience the richness of the world. Her love of food, wine, and travel brought joy and excitement to her life and to ours; and, she will always be remembered for her adventurous spirit and zest for life.

Marilyn was an art enthusiast: both collecting and making. With family and friends, she traveled the world to see the great masters - hitting galleries on almost every continent. She loved to integrate art into her classroom curriculum with every lesson. She was able to spread her love and talent for art and crafts with her own children and with untold thousands of students. In her classroom and at home we all dived into every medium there is: oil, water color, chalk, tie-dye, silk screen, wood block, collage, mobile, candles, macramé, mosaic ...and, the list goes on....June, July and August were magical months for the Saindon family.

After a long day, our mom retired to her living room to be with her little babies. Throughout her life she loved her dogs more than all the world - they too were her children. Through the decades, we all have beautiful loving stories of life with Josephine, Navajo, Coco, Priscilla, Benny, Finney, Baby, Grizzly, Charli, and Sweety. We are at peace knowing that our Mom is cuddling with all of them right now in heaven.

Our Mom was the proverbial 'Giving Tree', giving to us every ounce of unconditional love and support a mom can give. We will always keep deep in our heart the fun and love shared at every party and holiday; especially St. Patrick's Day (Homer the Leprechaun and Guinness Beer) and the Feast of St. Nicholas (the traditional family group singing, after much spiked eggnog, of O come O Come Emmanuel.) She was bigger than life and yet just our Mom. She was always there for us, no matter what, and her love knew no bounds. Her legacy lives on in the beautiful art pieces she created, in the memories we shared at the beach, and in the love and kindness she showered on us. We miss her every day, but we take comfort in knowing that she is at peace with The Father, her parents and husband. She is now surrounded by the beauty of the ocean, the soothing cuddling of her dogs, all the Angels and Saints -especially her patron saint (St. Rose of Lima) and the love of those who came before her. Marilyn was a shining light in our lives. Rest in paradise, Mom, we will see you in Heaven. She is preceded in death by her parents and husband. Marilyn Leaves behind her beloved children Carla, Sarah, and John-Paul. She was blessed with 6 grandchildren Sarah, Natalie, John, Patrick, JP jr., Alexandria and 8 great-grandchildren. She will be laid to rest is Carpinteria, California.

"The reality is that you will grieve forever. You will not 'get over' the loss of a loved one; you will learn to live with it. You will heal and you will rebuild yourself around the loss you have suffered. You will be whole again but you will never be the same. Nor should you be the same nor would you want to."- Elizabeth Kubler-Ross

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