Martha Louise Dickinson Rubicam

Martha Louise Dickinson RUBICAM Martha Louise Dickinson Rubicam died of complications from emphysema in Santa Barbara, California, on June 26th, 2008, at age 81. She was surrounded by her family. Born December 11, 1926 in Seattle, Washington, she attended Bush School in Washington Park, Garfield High School, and later studied acting both at the Pasadena Playhouse in California and in New York City. She moved back to Seattle where she married Benjamin H. Rubicam. While raising their four children, she was active in politics and volunteer work, and was an avid gardener, for which she was well known among friends and family. She had a love of camping on the wild beaches of the Olympic Peninsula, sailing the Pacific, and cross-country car camping. Her houseboat on Lake Union was a welcoming gathering place for eccentric guests, music and good food. She was never happier than when working in the garden with her hands deep in the dirt, whistling a tune, with a cockatiel on her shoulder echoing her tremolo, as she coaxed some plant to green and bloom. She will always be remembered for her elegant use of the English language, vibrant laughter, her unique and colorful character, a sense of irreverence, mischief, and uncommon wit and wisdom. She will be missed in ways large and small, and is infinitely loved. Martha is survived by her brother Nat Dickinson and wife Sally of Bellingham, Washington, and by her four children, Chris Rubicam of Seattle; Deirdre Rubicam and husband Mike Heron of Pleasant Hill, California; Shannon Rubicam and husband Rory Crowder of Malibu, California; and Leslie Jones and husband Russ Jones of Santa Barbara, California. She also will be remembered and loved by her grandchildren Kyle LaFleche, Hilary Rubicam Merrill, Jessie Good, and Lindsay and Allison Heron, as well as by a wild assortment of friends.