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At 88 years old, Marion Catherine Cleary passed away peacefully in her sleep on July 23rd, 2017. She was surrounded by her loving family in her Orinda home of 57 years.
Marion was born in Berkeley, CA on Aug. 12th 1928.
She was known for her elegant beauty, magnetic personality, and for being the gracious and accommodating wife, mother, grandmother of twelve, friend, and hostess. She graced everyone with her openly friendly optimism and support and connected with people wherever she went. Her practical and non-materialistic approach on life was complemented by her willingness to drop whatever she was doing to give family and friends a hand. She loved being able to care for all of her 12 grandkids at one point or another; they all remember Grammers for her love of laughter, her patience, and her willingness to try anything. Her dogs received the love and devotion of children – few things brought her more joy than loving Shamee and Stubby. An excellent cook, Marion was known for her mean pot of coffee and delicious homemade lemon cake, bread, and biscotti. In the late 1970s Marion owned and operated the antique store Orinda Arts where she specialized in antique doll brokering and repair. Marion was an avid tennis player with the Sleepy Hollow Tennis club; she also attended exercise classes religiously, and kept active well into her 80s. With the energy of youth throughout her life, Marion became accomplished in sewing, embroidery, tie-dye, furniture repair, jewelry making, and so much more.
She is preceded in death by her parents Thomas Joseph and Winifred Grady Galvin, by her siblings John “Jack” Galvin, Frances Price, and Eleanor Croda, her grandchild Maddison Newlin, and her son-in-law Eric Topel.
Marion is survived by her husband of 68 years Joseph Cleary, her four children and twelve grandchildren. Her children: Erin Newlin and husband Tom; Michael Cleary and wife Julie; Martin Cleary and wife Loretta, and Rinda Topel; and her grandchildren: Courtney, Michael, and Bailey Newlin; Kaitlynn, Allyson, Brooke, and Morgan Cleary; Sarah and Krista Cleary; and Joey, Tucker, and Grace Topel.
For more information, please send contact information to: InMemoryOfMarionCleary@gmail.com
Special thanks to Hospice of the East Bay.
Hello, I just wanted to send you my deepest condolences for your loss. No doubt you will find comfort in the thought of Revelation 21:4, speaking of when death will be done away with forever. I'll give you that to read on your own. I'm so sorry for your loss.
I just learned today that Marion passed away. I have many precious memories of her and Joe growing up. Mike and I would like to send our deepest sympathies to Joe and all the family. Rest in God's peaceful care Marion, I know you will be very missed by many. You have and will continue to have a special place in my heart, say hello to my mom for me... much love until we meet again.
