Magdalene Marie "Siller" Kaiser

Marie (Siller) Kaiser, 103, passed away peacefully, knowing she was going to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Born on May 23, 1921, in Regina, Saskatchewan, Marie immigrated with her family to the Sutter Basin in Yuba City, California, where they settled on a 20-acre vineyard. As the second eldest of 12 siblings, she played a vital role in helping to raise her younger brothers and sisters. At the age of 12, Marie was inspired to become a nurse, a calling that would shape the course of her life.

After high school, she earned an Associate of Arts degree from Yuba College before transferring to Fresno General Hospital, where she completed her nursing education. Upon graduating as a registered nurse, she also became a naturalized U.S. citizen. It was at Fresno General that she met her future husband, August (Gus) Kaiser. They married and remained in the Fresno area, where they welcomed their daughter, Arlene.

In 1947, Marie and Gus relocated to Yuba City and Marysville. Marie built a distinguished career in healthcare, working at Rideout Memorial Hospital in orthopedics, emergency surgery, and general patient care. She also served as a summer camp nurse at Camp Me-Wa-Hi and later worked as an office nurse for Drs. Salopeck and Heckman.

Marie's dedication to service led her into education. In 1957, she became the school nurse and later Dean of Women at Marysville High School. In 1969, she moved to Fremont, California, to serve as a counselor and nurse at Williamson Continuation High School in the Fremont Unified School District. By this time, she had earned a Bachelor's Degree, a Master's Degree, a School Administration Credential, and a MFT Certification.

In 1979, Marie became Coordinator of the Young Mothers Program, fulfilling multiple roles as an administrator, counselor, nurse, and teacher. She provided vital guidance and support to young pregnant women, securing more than $1.3 million in grant funding for career education, childcare, and scholarships. Upon her retirement, the superintendent noted that Marie held more credentials than anyone in the entire school district-a testament to her lifelong commitment to education.

Passionate about helping others, she was a dedicated supporter of recovery programs, especially AA.

Marie and Gus shared 50 years of marriage before Gus's passing in 1993. Together, they traveled extensively, enjoying cruises, RV trips, and time at their cabin in Lake Tahoe. They also invested in real estate and supported Arlene's passion for drama productions at Walters Junior High. Alongside her daughter, Marie helped develop parenting seminars and was a member of the National Speakers Association.

Marie's contributions were widely recognized. She received honors from organizations such as Soroptimist International, Delta Kappa Gamma, National PTA, and the Board of Directors of the East Bay March of Dimes. In 1990, the Marie Kaiser Infant Development Building was established in her honor at Robertson High School.

After 36 years of service in public education, Marie retired in 1993.

She is survived by her daughter, Arlene, her brother Mac Siller, her sister Josephine, her granddaughter Diedra, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and countless friends.

Marie's secret to a long life was simple: Faith in God, serving others, and surrounding yourself with people younger than yourself.

A devoted member of Faith Lutheran Church (Marysville), Mt. Olive Lutheran, First Presbyterian Church of Milpitas, and Echo Church, Marie lived her life with unwavering faith and compassion.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled on June 21, 1:00 - 4:00 PM at Echo Church, Murphy Drive, San Jose.

Please RSVP to brandyjanosch@gmail.com

In lieu of flowers, spend time with loved ones enjoying every day!