Heidi Georgette Marier

Heidi Georgette (Deller) Marier,

72, of La Conner, WA died Monday, June 29, 2015 at Overlake Hospital in Bellevue. She was born the oldest child of George and Helen (Benskin) Deller on October 9, 1942 in Kansas City, KS. She attended school in West Seattle and graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1960. Following high school, Heidi attended the University of Washington and earned a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts. She taught art in the Seattle School District for many years, sharing her love for ceramics, jewelry making, drawing and painting at many schools, including Queen Anne, Indian Heritage, Marshall, and finishing her career at Ballard High School. She moved to La Conner with her beloved husband, Mike, after retiring from teaching in 2005. She created, taught, and shared the arts with others throughout her life, especially jewelry making and ceramics. Junkin' for treasure at thrift shops all over the Puget Sound was her favorite pastime. She is survived by both of her sons, Shawn and Ted, her daughter-in-law, Katrina, and grandson Gabriel. She was much loved by family, friends, and students and will be greatly missed.

Please come celebrate Heidi's life with us, Saturday, August 8th at Noon at Highlands Community Center (14224 Bel-Red Road, Bellevue). The family looks forward to hearing your thoughts and memories of her.

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

Published by The Seattle Times from Jul. 26 to Aug. 2, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Heidi Marier

Sponsored by The Family.

39 Entries

marv boyd

August 25, 2020

heidi, miss you we had some great times together. love,marv

Manisha Joshi

July 10, 2020

I was a student of Heidi's in the late 1970's at People's School # One on Wallingford in Seattle, she taught me so much.

December 10, 2015

Mrs. Marier was a real gem.

She helped students who weren't artistic discover they had the ability to make art. She was unfailingly positive. She was one of the best teachers I ever had, at any level.

I had her as my art teacher at Queen Anne High in the early 1970s and she was one of the bright lights at that school, even though her class/studio was tucked into a corner of the basement level. It was a warm refuge for many students.

I now realize she was about 30 when we were 17 or 18, which is why she seemed so hip and such a free spirit.

Once, she sent me to pick up some art supplies, giving me the keys to her bright yellow Mustang. What a car! I was very nervous about driving it and realized, when I had finished the trip, I'd driven with the parking brake set the whole way. I was mortified. Well, I'm about 40 years late, but sorry Mrs. Marier!

Two generations of students were blessed to have had her as a teacher. I still have all the pieces I made in her class -- the first and last for each type of clay or metal-worked art piece.

She cast a light that continues to shine in places all over the world -- wherever her students and colleagues have resettled. Like many, I remember her with nothing but warmth and gratitude.

My belated condolences to Shawn Marier and the entire Marier family.

With sympathy,
Rebecca Smith
California

MARV BOYD

August 8, 2015

Heidi,WiLL MISS YOU VERY MUCH. AlWAYS, MARV

Jerzain Castillo

August 5, 2015

I was very blessed to have had your class whilst a freshman at Ballard. Unfortunately I squandered the chance to really learn something and to keep taking your class. You were the easiest teacher to talk to and I will always remember this. I can honestly say that I still have a few of those projects from class, albeit stored somewhere, to remind me of fun times during turbulent moments.

Roz Lehner

August 4, 2015

My deepest condolences to the Marier family. Ms. Marier was the ideal role model for what every teacher should strive to be. I can't thank her enough for everything she did for thousands of kids in Seattle. I had the honor of running into once as an adult, and she was busy dancing! BHS c/o '91

Mick Scott

August 3, 2015

Mrs. Marier - thank you for everything you selflessly gave to all of us. I was lucky to spend all 8 semesters of my high school life under your wing in your classroom. The love kindness and generosity you showed each of us is a blessing and gift I will always hold dear and cherish. The mark you made on my young life will last for eternity and I will remember our time together forever.
I wish I could be there to celebrate your beauty and grace with you and your family on Saturday. I will be there in spirit like you've always been there for me.
Love and hugs - always and forever.
Mick Scott

martina hauge

August 3, 2015

Mrs Marier was an excellent teacher and the two ceramics classes I took from her were my favorite classes. She taught people to really look at art and then gave them the courage to use their imagination and make things.

Virginia Player

August 3, 2015

Ms. Marier was a genuinely open and kind hearted person. I took her ceramics class during my senior year at Ballard High. I loved her and loved being in her class. My main regret is that I discovered her in my final year of high school and didn't take her class all four years. She taught me a lot, and not just about ceramics. I have thought of her often since high school and hold on to many wonderful memories of her. I am a high school teacher myself now and think of Ms. Marier as an ideal role model to live up to. She was extraordinary.

Shelley Williams

August 2, 2015

You will be missed Heidi, you were the best teacher I ever had and have always thought about you over the years! You taught me a lot, more than just jewelry and ceramics and never a day goes by that I don't thank you! Class of 1974!

(The Davis Family)

August 1, 2015

May the God of all comfort give you the strength and ability to stand strong to endure the loss of your loved one. Also, may special memories of Heidi bring you joy and Peace from above. (Psalm 83:18)

Lynn Dolgoff. c/o 76

July 30, 2015

Mrs. Marier was the coolest teacher. I had her for ceramics. I remember the Elvis posters in the diplay cases with the student art work. RIP

Heidi and G at the Aquarium

Shawn Marier

July 30, 2015

Heidi and Mr G.

Shawn Marier

July 30, 2015

Heidi on vacation with her Grandson.

Shawn Marier

July 30, 2015

Josie Cleveland

July 30, 2015

We loved how she would dance in the BHS office, especially to Elvis. I think she won the staff's best arched eyebrow contest! She was a wonderful teacher and a favorite of my younger daughter. Condolences to Mike and her family.

Debbie Young

July 29, 2015

RIP Mrs Marier. I still have several pieces of ceramics I made in her class. She encouraged us and made us better in more than just artistic endeavors. Class if 74 QA.

July 29, 2015

Ms. Marier was a fun, cool and beautiful teacher when I had her for jewelry making up at QA. Those were some great times in her class. Maryann QA c/o 76

Diane Voiland

July 28, 2015

She was my ceramics teacher at Queen Anne class of 1975. She was young and cool. The best teacher. My condolences to the family.

July 28, 2015

Thank you for holding me accountable for doing the right thing. Lessons I carry with me today as I teach high school. I still have projects from pottery class and will always remember your love of Elvis.
Forever Grateful,
Laurie LaPoe QA c/o 74

July 28, 2015

Mrs Marier was a great teacher she will be missed so much. she was always willing to help anyone out. she always had a smile on her face.
Tracy Anthony c/o 95

Connie Herrington

July 28, 2015

I am 46 yrs old and I got on Facebook this morning and saw this obituary, my niece had commented on it, she's 35, I didn't even know she had Heidi as a Teacher but the minute I saw this my heart sank and I smiled too, I had her at John Marshall , my memories of her are very precious she was I'd have to say my favorite Teacher of all time, her class was probably the ONLY class I didn't skip in HS, anyway to her family I am so very sorry for your loss but do know this, she was loved and made a difference in the world and was widely and greatly loved.

Zoye Fidler

July 28, 2015

Mariner was the best, I and all my friend hung with her in the classroom in the earlie 70's! We lived there! She was an amazing person teacher and great influence in my life, rock on Elvis!

Lynn Miller Craig QAHS76

July 28, 2015

Say Hi to Elvis...

David White

July 27, 2015

With a heavy heart I will have to miss Mrs. Marier's memorial due to a previous unbreakable event engagement. Otherwise nothing would have stopped me.

She was one of those teachers that nearly every kid loved, especially those who were creatively inclined. There are a few that I credit with pushing me towards a creative career and none more influential than Heidi Marier. Hands down she was my favorite teacher ever. During my final semester of my senior year at Ballard (1991) I had 6 classes, 5 of them were with Mrs. Marier and I was a teacher's assistant for her 2 or 3 different times. She was the absolute GREATEST.

I had always hoped that I would get to run into her again and let her know what she meant to me and how she influenced my life. I'm sad to know that can never be. She will be greatly missed by so very many. We love you Mrs. Marier and we'll never forgot you.

Cari Valenzuela-Boda c/o 1992.

July 27, 2015

I am sadden to hear of Mrs Marier's passing. I loved her as a teacher at Ballard. Her compassion and love for her students will always stand out to me. 24 years ago I was a 17yo pregnant senior with little support from the school or classmates but Mrs Marier stepped up and offered me advice and a shoulder to lean on and when my beautiful baby boy Tyler was born she showered him with homemade gifts and clothes. I will always remember her and be Thankful for her support at the scariest time in my life.

Lindsay Verschueren

July 27, 2015

I have very clear memories of Mrs Marier... Her smile, her humor, her hands. She was my ceramics teacher for a few semesters. In her class, teens could be themselves. All were welcome as they were, all felt accepted by Mrs Marier, and all were expected to create. She helped me to envision my projects and improve them once I got started. I looked forward to her class every day and cherished the time I had to work with clay in her room. Not everyone is suited to work with teenagers. She was a perfect fit. I am so sad that she isn't spreading her light and funky style out in the world anymore. I send my heartfelt condolences to her family.

Jenny Leady Hyde c/o '96

July 27, 2015

Mrs. Marier or "Marier" as students called her was one of my all-time favorite teachers at Ballard High School. She was engaged, funny and a massive influence in the lives of so many students. My sincerest condolences to her family. She was a wondeful woman!

Michelle Wicklund

July 27, 2015

Mrs. Marier was a fun and bright light at Ballard HS. She would always shoot me straight, encouraged my creativity, and her door was always open after school. I cherish every moment I spent with her. I wound not be the person I am today with out her presence in my life.

July 27, 2015

Mrs. Marier was one of my kids' best teachers at Ballard. Every time I visited her class, she was surrounded by a bunch of engaged and enthusiastic students who knew that they and their ideas and creations were valued. I think it was one of the happiest classrooms in the school. She had a big smile and twinkling eyes and a really big heart.

I still have several of the art projects which my kids created in her classroom - they are still treasures, and full of whimsy, just like she was!

Nancy White

July 27, 2015

Dear Heidi, I miss you so much. Our many dinners together, our cruise, watching TV in our p.j.'s. You weren't suppose to leave before I. I love you and you will always be in my heart. Denise

sofia stephas kenny

July 27, 2015

my very favorite lady & teacher from Queen Anne High School! My kids also had her at Ballard High School.. Rest in peace Heidi, you will be deeply missed!

Julia Wayne

July 27, 2015

Ms Marier was the best teacher at Ballard. She accepted all students with open, clay-dusty arms. She was quick with a tool she knew would help shape student creations into something beautiful, but never overstepped their visions. I was lucky to have Ms. Marier as a teacher in my senior year, and enjoyed her sassy, welcoming attitude. I frequently spent lunches and after school working on projects in her never-locked classroom, and was certainly not alone. Thank you, Ms. Marier, for being a safe haven and creative power charger for so many who needed you. You are loved and appreciated.

Katherine Daida

July 26, 2015

I never met Heidi, but I have heard Shawn speak of her fondly many times in my acquaintance with him. My most sincere condolences to the family. May the passage of time erase the sorrow and leave only good memories.

Laura Bodoia

July 26, 2015

Dearest Heidi...you will be missed. My condolences to the family.