Martha Louise "Mardie" Elliott

Family and friends of Martha "Mardie" Louise (Zimmers) Elliott are deeply saddened to announce her passing on August 19, 2023 at her home in Saratoga, CA. She was 86. Mardie was born on July 25, 1937 in Altoona, PA to David and Louise (Seeds) Zimmers. Her family moved to California in 1940, settling in San Leandro. Mardie attended San Leandro High School, where she was Editor-in-Chief of the school newspaper. She went on to graduate in 1955 with straight A's, and was recipient of the American Legion Award for outstanding senior and an alumni scholarship to the University of California - Berkeley. In college, she pledged Alpha Omicron Pi sorority and lived there for four years until graduating Phi Beta Kappa with a degree in history.Driven to teach, Mardie then went on to obtain her teaching credential at Cal. It is here that she began dating Robert Elliott. Their first date was at Candlestick Park, with Willie Mays in the lineup. A mutual love of baseball, camping, fishing, and Cal led to inevitable nuptials on June 23, 1962 at Treasure Island Chapel in San Francisco. The newlyweds bought their first home in Saratoga, CA in 1963. Mardie began her teaching career at Del Valle High School, then transferred to Homestead High School where she taught for four years, up until starting a family in 1967. Mardie embraced motherhood with gusto, serving as a volunteer with AYSO, PTA, and Saratoga Federated Church. Her love of camping led the family to state and national parks across the west, including a beloved annual camping trip to Plumas-Eureka State Park with friends. In 1979, Mardie returned to work, switching careers to help run First Place, a regional business offering trophies, plaques and promotional products to the community. She soon became a business partner and served in this capacity until she retired in 1994. In retirement, Mardie embarked on a genealogy passion project, which culminated in the 2001 publishing of a 400-page history exploring her Pennsylvania roots. Her family is grateful for this effort. Mardie spent the rest of her life enjoying her four grandchildren, who were her pride and joy. She will be remembered by all for her sharp intellect, business acumen, beautiful smile, and above all else, her love of her family.Mardie is survived by her husband of 61 years, Robert Elliott, sons David (Sarah) and Scott (Allison), and grandchildren Jenna, Lily, Jamison, and Alexa. Mardie is pre-deceased by her parents David and Louise Zimmers, and brother Philip Zimmers. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Silicon Valley or CityTeam. https://www.shfb.org or https://cityteam.org