Marianne Flanders

Marianne Flanders Dec. 1, 1919 - Oct. 25, 2007 Our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend Marianne Flanders, is scuba diving in paradise with her Heavenly Father. Marianne, a 3rd generation Texan, was born in Dallas but lived in Garland, Texas for over 50 years. She lived and loved in adventurous ways. She learned how to downhill ski at age 65, and earned her dive certification at 75. Marianne and her friend Charlotte traveled all over Europe and Canada, but their favorite adventures were on dive trips with the Texins Dive Club. Marianne loved everything about the ocean and the mysteries discovered while diving. After retiring from her position as a Trust Officer at Mercantile National Bank and when she wasn't traveling, Marianne was home in Garland making the world a better place. She walked three miles each day through her neighborhood putting her neighbors' newspapers on their front porch every morning. She volunteered for a variety of organizations around Dallas including the North Dallas Shared Ministries, Meals on Wheels, and Fowler Home. She was a lifetime member of Central Christian Church in Dallas, and an active participant in numerous church activities and leadership positions. In her youth she was a bowler, a square dancer, and the catcher on a fast pitch softball team - just like Geena Davis in a 'League of Their Own'. The past two years Marianne lived in Austin near her family and many loving friends. She left this world while in the care of Hospice Austin's Christopher House, and we are extremely grateful for the loving care she received from the staff during her last days. We also greatly appreciate the care she received while a resident at Heartland Health Care Center. Marianne was preceded in death by her husband Charles Walmsley Flanders Jr., her son Chuck, her brother James Wilson, and her best friends Charlotte Weber and Gladys Beer. Marianne is survived by her daughter, Peggy Garrison; her granddaughter, Amy and her husband Tad Doezema; her sister, Carolyn Morrison; her sister-in-law, Margaret Wilson; along with many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews, and a host of wonderful friends of all ages. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 3, 2007 at 10:30 a.m. at Central Christian Church in Dallas. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made in memory of Marianne to Austin Hospice Christopher House (non-profit) or the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation. "In my Father's house there are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you; I will come back and take you to be with me that you may also be where I am." John 14:2-3