Marion Gartler

Marion Gartler

Marion lived life exactly as she wished. She began her creative life in New York City in 1952, where she moved with her husband, Stan, after they finished graduate school at U.C. Berkeley. She joined the American Book Company, as a writer and editor of the Modern McGuffey Readers. She continued that work in Seattle, spearheading a trio of close woman friends who wrote readers and textbooks on geography and language arts for elementary school children. Marion felt what had been written for children up to then was lifeless and did not challenge or excite them.

From the eighties on, she developed several styles of vests, called Safekeeper Vests, made of fabulous ethnic and handmade textiles and containing many hidden pockets for travelers who did not want their valuables to be vulnerable to pickpockets or purse snatchers. This married her twin passions: love of travel and love of fabrics.

Marion loved the Pacific Northwest. She and Stan lived in a home nestled in a wooded ravine full of rhododendrons and every year Stan planted 1,000 tulip bulbs. Marion was also a fervent supporter of Northwest arts and crafts. Her home is filled with work by local artists as is her jewelry cabinet.

Marion cherished their seaside getaway at Salishan, in Oregon. It was a quiet place to rest, write, walk the dog along the beach, collect agates, and enjoy time with friends and family.

Marion loved to entertain and the Gartler home was constantly filled with family, friends, and visitors from all over the world. A few weeks before she died, she insisted on having a large Passover Seder at her home.

Marion was also a passionate supporter of her nieces, Maryna, Annette, and Marilyn, her nephew, Richard, their children, Shava, Elijah, Forrest, Ozette, Aaron, and Copavi and their grandchildren. Stan, her husband of 68 years, was the love of her life.

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