Marietta E. SPENCER

Died Sunday, April 2, 2017 in her home at the age of 95. Marietta leaves her son Paul Spencer and his wife Debra, Marietta's daughter Claudia Samuelson and her husband Bill. Marietta's brilliant mind was taken away slowly, but she continued to express feeling lucky and happy as she did throughout her life. A true example of living in the moment! Born in Vienna Austria, Marietta was awarded a scholarship to Reed College in Portland Oregon where she obtained her undergraduate degree in Social Work. It was here that she met her life partner and collaborator, Robert. The two moved to the Twin Cities when Robert accepted a tenured teaching position at the U of MN as a Professor of Cultural Anthropology. Marietta attended graduate school and obtained her Masters in Medical Social Work. Marietta was a fierce advocate of all children, particularly the rights of adoptees to obtain and have access to their medical history throughout their lives. For most of her career, Marietta was the Division Director for Post Legal Adoption Services which she created out of a voiced need by members of the adoption triad: adoptees, birth parents and adoptive parents to have continuing education, information and dialogue on an ongoing basis. Marietta was an early pioneer of establishing terminology standards that attempted to take away stigmas around being adopted from the adoptee's point of view. Marietta enjoyed food and was known for her phenomenal marzipan cakes. She was particularly fond of chocolate. She loved animals and throughout her life had guinea pigs, mice, dogs and bunny rabbits who were always considered family. A private memorial service will be held in her honor. As an expression of sympathy and if desired, contributions may be sent to The Minnesota Humane Society, Minnesota Epilepsy Foundation or Planned Parenthood in care of The Cremation Society of Minnesota, 4343 Nicollet Avenue, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55409. Mom had some wonderful friends and family who took the time over the years to provide their support to her through visits and correspondence. Special thanks to Baywood Home Care especially Victoria. We appreciate all of you for your love and kindness to Marietta.