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Marianne Gaba Starkman

1939 - 2016

Marianne Gaba Starkman obituary, 1939-2016, Los Angeles, CA

Marianne Starkman Obituary

November 13, 1939 - May 3, 2016 After courageously battling a brain tumor for several years our beautiful Marianne finally succumbed with her loving family at her bedside. Marianne was raised in Chicago by her parents Frank Gaba, a mailman, and her mother Marie, a factory worker. Marianne was chosen Miss Illinois in 1959...soon after she came to California for The Miss Universe Pageant and became a finalist...she then entered USC and was selected Helen of Troy. She appeared in films with stars such as Elvis Presley, Ricky Nelson, Glen Ford and Jerry Lewis. She was on tour with Johnny Grant during the Korean War. In Sept.1959 Marianne became a Playboy centerfold. In 1960 she met her future husband Mike Starkman at State Beach. They were engaged in a week, and married in a month, a romance that lasted 56 years. Marianne became proficient in photography, loved nature and her garden. She loved her pets so much. She will be greatly missed by her loving husband Mike, her children Greg, Wendy, her son-in-law James Rothstein and her grandchildren Chloe and Rex. Every time we see a beautiful flower we will always think of our beautiful Marianne..."You will be in our hearts forever." A special thanks to our wonderful caregivers Aura and Gemma. * Services Private *

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Los Angeles Times from May 5 to May 8, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Marianne Starkman

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Mike

April 29, 2024

We will remember you always in our hearts...Greg, Chloe, Rex and Mike.
You're son id 62 today!!

Mike

January 24, 2024

You will always be the love of my life. How I wish we could do it all over again... rest in peace sweetheart

Alain Michael

June 21, 2020

I met Marianne in the late 80s when I dated her late daughter Wendy. Both beautiful souls who will be greatly missed. My condolences.

Grant Gailius

May 11, 2016

Dear Michael,
Not a day goes by, where I don't think about all of you, especially during this very difficult time. I will forever be grateful, to have been reacquainted with everyone. The times I was able to be together with your family, like the walk to "Morton's," I will cherish for a long time. The two of you fought hard, Michael. You performed the duties of many people and were an amazing example of possessing "true" love for another person. I hope to have learned from your example. My deepest condolences to you, Wendy, Greg, and your entire family, during this heartbreaking chapter of your lives. Marianne, will forever have a special place in my heart, as all of you do.

Alain

May 11, 2016

Toutes mes codoléances à sa famille et merci de nous avoir charmé par sa beauté

Alain, France

Lenore King

May 6, 2016

Sending our most heartfelt condolences to all the Starkman family!
Lenore and Michael King

May 6, 2016

Mike, Greg, Wendy, James, Chloe & Rex......My loving thoughts are with you and Marianne was a rose that bloomed a specific kind of beauty that only she could possess. I remember seeing and meeting her for the first time and my mouth dropped and she smiled this impeccable smile and invited me in with her son. She was always very elegant in all she did, it was part of her being. I want to thank Gemma and and Aura for their wonderful care. And for leaving a beautiful family and legacy that she can watch over and protect forever. Thank you for being so kind to Me Marianne, I will always love and care for your family deeply. Kellee Nicole Antalek, Las Vegas

Lisa Monti - Benach

May 5, 2016

Our Thoughts and Prayers are with your family Marianne. Mike, Wendy and Greg who I have known since I was a little kid. Your were a beautiful person and I am blessed that you came into our family from Hillcrest Country Club, my father Eric Monti and mother Evelyn Monti were privileged in knowing you. May God look upon you now in a very happy place.

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To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

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Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

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