Marian Lorraine Spencer

Marian Lorraine Spencer

February 18, 1923 - January 23, 2021
Mission Viejo California

Marian Lorraine Spencer

February 18, 1923 - January 23, 2021
Mission Viejo California

Obituary

Marian L. Spencer

Marian Spencer passed away peacefully on Saturday morning, January 23, 2021 at the board and care home that she shared with her husband Leland (Lee).  Marian was born on February 18, 1923 in Los Angeles, California, and was less than a month away from her 98th birthday.  Lee always said of Marian that she was “born happy and never recovered”.  Those who knew and loved her understand how true those words are!

Marian’s parents, Warren and Ivy Rogers, were also native Californians, born in Los Angeles and San Luis Obispo respectively.  Marian was the second of their four daughters. Ellen, Marian, Lois, and Frances all grew up in their family home in Los Angeles and attended Manual Arts High School.  It was there, in her junior year, that she met Lee in a music appreciation class. Two years later, August 15, 1942, they were married at Plymouth Congregational Church where she had attended for years.

Their tiny first home was in south Los Angeles and their son, Roger, was born on July 13, 1943.   This was during World War II and Lee was in training to be a pilot in the US Army Air Corps.  Lee left for Europe to be a B-24 bomber pilot and their second son, Bruce, was born on October 2, 1944, while Lee was flying bombing missions over occupied Europe.  He returned home on March 30, 1945, to be reunited with Marian and Roger, and meet Bruce for the first time.  Soon their little family moved into a small home not too far from her parents until 1950.

On February 21st, 1950, Marian was in the hospital giving birth to Russell, while Lee and the boys moved into the new family home in Monterey Park. This was to be the only home the family would know for the next 70 years, and Marian set about to be the best mom she could be.  She loved all children, but especially hers.  She loved going airplane camping with Lee or family camping with her boys, fishing, hiking, to the beach, and everywhere in between.  Hers was a life of service, first and foremost to her family, but she always found ways to serve others as well.

When her boys grew up, married, and moved away from home, Marian decided to go to college and earned her degree/teaching credential so that she could teach school.  She spent the next eleven years as a kindergarten teacher and loved her new kids.  They loved her as well, and told her what a great teacher she was whenever she saw them in later years.  Throughout her life she was happiest when she was around children.

In her mid-thirties, Marian was introduced to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by her next-door neighbors.  In spite of Lee’s disapproval, she became active in the church, but put off baptism to keep peace in the family.  She served in numerous church callings as a non-member, all of which almost always involved children and music.

It was almost twenty years later, after the kids were gone, that she finally worked up the nerve to ask Lee for his permission to be baptized.  To her shock, he said yes, and she entered into the covenant of baptism on January 5, 1974.  It was one of the happiest days of her life and brought her great peace.  She continued her church service in a number of capacities, but it wasn’t until 1996 that she finally asked Lee for permission to go to the temple.  Once again, he surprised her! Just two days before her 73rd birthday she went to the Los Angeles LDS Temple for the first time.  Marian loved going to the temple, and in the next ten years she participated in one thousand temple ordinances to make up for lost time!  The only thing that slowed her down was the dementia that started affecting her in her mid-eighties.

By the time that Marian turned ninety she was no longer able to drive.  Lee cared for her as best he could, but over time it became overwhelming for him and a change was necessary.  Marian spent the last years of her life in care facilities, always with a smile on her face.  Lee finally joined her in September 2020, and they spent the last five months of her life together, holding hands.  He misses her dearly, as we all do.

Marian is now free of her worn-out body and reunited with her parents, sisters and Rusty, and is still smiling, but from on high.

 

Graveside Service

  • Date & Time: February 26, 2021 (11:00 AM)
  • Venue: El Toro Memorial Park
  • Location: 25751 Trabuco Road Lake Forest, CA 92630 - (Get Directions)
  • Phone Number: (949) 951-9102

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14 responses to Marian Lorraine Spencer

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  1. My mother-in-law Marian has been a great influence on my life. When I was about 16, she inspired me to start baking bread. She would grind whole wheat with a hand grinder, and make delicious whole wheat bread that we often enjoyed as a dinner, along with some delicious fruit salad. I have been baking bread for the nearly 60 years since that time! She would do bread baking projects in her kindergarten class, and taught them many other important things that most children didn’t have the opportunity to experience. Marian also introduced me to foot reflexology and various other health-related interests that had a profound influence on my life. She was a great camper and loved going on flying trips to the wilderness with Lee. Marian loved children and was always eager to take care of our children when Bruce and I went on backpacking trips. Marian was an avid genealogist and compiled an incredible amount of family history during a time when research was all done through writing letters and digging through libraries. She wrote wonderfully expressive letters to family members in her beautiful handwriting. Family was the most important part of Marian’s life, and she treasured each member of her family.

  2. When I think of my Grandmother, Marian Spencer, the first thing I see is her smile. The phrase her husband always used to describe this was, “She was born happy and never recovered.” It seemed that no matter what situation she was in, she was happy and ready to handle what needed doing. Her level of service was one that shined as an example to everyone that was lucky enough to be close to her. She will always be the brightest living example of who I should strive to be more like.

    When I was little, my parents went on a 3 week trip to Europe and she was the one that watched us for that time. There were only the 3 boys at the time and one morning, I recall her asking us what we wanted for breakfast. With cold cereal being a common breakfast, we each wanted to take full advantage of the situation and requested pancakes, eggs or the like, but each one of us with a unique request. Looking back as an adult, I still can’t believe what she did. Each child sat down to their own requested special, like we were ordering at a restaurant. As a parent now, I would have had them all agree on a breakfast and make one, but not my Grandmother. With all the patience and love in the world, she made breakfast after breakfast, even taking the time to get us involved and “helping” where we could. Best breakfast ever…with no idea what I ordered or how good it was.

    Grandma and Grandpa’s home held so many memories for multiple generations of children playing. There was always bins of toys and someone to play a game with you. Croquet, wiffle ball, swings, badminton, basketball, skateboarding, or merry-go-round, she always let us play and often stepped right in to join the fun. She would even take time to teach us whenever she could. I remember a time taking fresh fruit off the trees and getting us to help pick the perfect ones, wash them, and cut them in half to prepare to make juice. Not long ago, I had the opportunity to visit Grandpa with my wife and 3 kids to find a lemon tree full of fruit that I knew was going to go bad if we didn’t do anything. Searching the kitchen, we found the same hand juicer that I had used all those years ago. My kids now picking the best pieces of fruit, washing, cutting, and with a little elbow grease, were able to make lemonade in abundance. What a moment to think back on, who taught me and where, only to see my kids doing it in the same kitchen, with the same tools at our disposal. I managed to save that very same hand juicer for many more juicing experiences in her memory.

    When it came to church, I don’t think she ever knew how much she impacted and aided in my growth in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Three major events will always be with me, though they were small and not something she even realized she did. First, she made a comment while in church on how well a young man said the prayer over the sacrament. She said she was impressed on how sincere and genuine he made it feel for her. She made sure to tell him after the meeting and I have remembered that moment every time I have been invited to do that same thing. Second, when the time for me to decide to serve a full time mission came up, I was touched by her comment that it would be “a tithe on my life” serving two years of my 20. It wasn’t the thing that really pushed me to my decision, but it provided a new perspective that I hadn’t thought of before. And maybe that’s what I needed at that time more than anything. Finally, I remember watching her serve a few times in church callings. Whether she was singing, leading music, teaching children or preparing food for some event, she always had a smile on her face and was the kindest person to all she served. Once again, the best example of how to serve and someone I will always strive to emulate.

    Ultimately, I don’t think I have known anyone more selfless, loving and genuine than Marian Spencer. I don’t remember where I slept for those weeks we stayed with her. I don’t remember every visit to her house. I don’t remember every gift they gave or what I bought with money that found its way into cards. I don’t remember the day she helped bring me into this world. But I will forever remember the loving, attentive, genuine, personable, and happy Grandma that blessed my life for these 43 years of my life. My life will forever be better because she was a part of it and I will carry these best parts that she shared with me in my heart as I fumble to mirror her character. As I write these words, I can see her shaking her head, not thinking she is worth such praise, only to show her humility that should be added to the list. You will be missed Grandma.

  3. It is through the challenging times that we create strong bonds with the ones we love, which is why I will never forget an accident I had in the first grade. My mom dropped me off at school just like any other day. I went to class, recess, back to class, and then it was off to the playground again once I finished eating lunch.
    As a true Spencer, I wanted to show off my athletic ability at the monkey bars. My Elementary school had an interesting set of monkey bars, they were actually large rings that could swing back and forth. The beginners would use this to their advantage and they would swing closer to the next ring in order to grasp it, but I was so much cooler than that. I was able to let go at the furthest point and still make it to the next ring, until I couldn’t. I had just caught the third ring and it swung forward with the momentum of my body. I stayed on the ring as it swung back, as soon as the momentum changed and started to swing forward again I released from the third ring with my left arm and stretched my right arm out to catch the fourth ring. My fingers brushed the fourth metal ring unable grasp it; I began to fall. My left arm was tucked under my body as I hit the ground. The other children at the playground circled around me as I lay on the floor.
    Once I stood up, I looked down to my left arm to find the radius protruding several inches forward (keep in mind this is according to 6 year old me). But I was tough, I wasn’t going to let this get to me, I wasn’t going to let anyone see me cry. I walked over to a noon-aid so she could help me get to the nurse’s office and as soon as she saw my arm, her face swiftly changed as she was overtaken by fear and panic. If a full grown adult can’t handle even looking at my arm, this must be much worse than I thought; this must be something that I can’t handle either… Her face created fear inside of me and I began to wail.
    The next thing I remember, I was in the nurse’s office. The nurse was calling my house but there was no answer. She called repeatedly, but nothing. My mother was enjoying a 3 hour lunch with her best friend in an era before cell phones. Next she called my grandmother. Thankfully grandma was home and able to pick me up from school.
    Unfortunately, she didn’t know the name of the restaurant where my mom was and she didn’t have my medical card so she was unable to contact my mom or take me to the hospital. But that wasn’t a problem because Marian was fully prepared to handle this situation; it’s almost as if she’d been through it before. (wink wink)
    We got in her car, a 1984 Buick that my grandfather bought for her. There was a placard that read “Made Especially for Marian Spencer” on the dash above the glove box. She turned on the classical music station that she usually played in her car and began to conduct the orchestra from the driver’s seat. She sang along with every buh, buh, buh, bum, buh, buh, buh, bum, keeping my focus on the passion of the music.
    Once we arrived at her home she took such great care of me. Not once did I see panic or fear in her face. She was so calm and loving. She knew just what I needed during this traumatic time. She read me stories and was so animated when she said the characters lines. She comforted me offering plenty of hugs and kisses while putting ice on my arm. She sang to me and never left my side. She did her best to keep my mind off the pain. The love poured out of her. I’ll never forget how she made me feel. Her ability to pique a child’s interest and keep them engaged is unmatched. I can’t imagine anyone I’d rather have by my side in such a situation. Although it felt like an eternity (due to the pain) I was only there for 3 hours when my mom came to pick me up and take me to the hospital. That was the longest 3 hours of my life and I’m so happy I was able to spend it with her. I’m so grateful that she was able to stay calm and comfort me when I needed it most. I’m so blessed to call Marian Spencer my grandma!
    Thank you for always taking care of me and showering me with love.
    Forever and always, Christy

    1. Lee Talley says:

      My attachment to my Aunt Marian was and still is very strong. In my teenage years, Jim and I went to the Spencer house quite often and spent several days at a time. Marian treated me so well that I loved to be at her house, and she made me feel so happy while we were there. I remember when she took us to see “The Ten Commandments” and that made a great impression on me. I love to watch that movie even today. It gave me some spiritual feelings at that time which I did not understand. Jim and I went to church with her when we visited, and I felt good when we went. After I married Dale, we visited her and she spoke to us about the Book of Mormon. I believe that she came to our baptism.

      When I learned that Marian had not been to the Temple and that her husband was holding her back from going to the temple, I felt very sad that she could not go. I sent a letter to uncle Lee before Christmas and wrote that the best Christmas present he could give Marian would be to allow her to go to the temple. Two months later Marian was able to go to the temple after receiving his permission to do so. I loved to see her at the temple. Uncle Lee told me that he did not remember that he had told her she could not go.

      Marian was filled with love for everyone, and I was greatly blessed to have spent time with her. I am looking forward to reuniting with her on the other side of the veil.

      With Love,
      Lee

  4. Grandy always had a sweet smile on her face. She lit up anytime she was around my kids and couldn’t wait to hold them. The girls loved visiting her, pushing her around and singing with her.

  5. Jill Spencer says:

    Marian never met a job she couldn’t conquer. She just assumed if it could be done, she could do it. She roofed the patio, painted the house, upholstered the furniture etc. etc, She went back to school at East LA College before Roger graduated high school and didn’t stop until she had a teaching credential.
    Marian was a master at gardening and her yard was always beautiful. She grew all kinds of flowers, herbs, fruits and vegetables. She did all the hard work all by herself and enjoyed the reward of the beauty she created.
    She shared her skills with anyone who wanted to learn. She taught me how to can apricots, how to make jam and homemade bread from wheat kernel to the hearty loaf of bread. She was a wiz in the kitchen and could make a dinner out of whatever was in the fridge. This happened several times when we got to talking and it got late and she invited us to stay for dinner and without any plan just whipped up a hearty meal for all of us.
    She was always helpful. She spent hours and hours helping Darlene and spent 10 years helping Rusty 3 days a week. She helped me with each baby and was there at the birth of both Kevin and Scott. She stayed for a month after Scott was born and I cried when she went home. We had the privilege of living about a mile from them for about 12 years. I felt very lucky to be so close to expert advice.
    When it came to entertaining kids, Marian was amazing. She made a slip and slide on the patio. A washtub and a rubber duck became a swimming pool for toddlers. She took them to the park to feed the ducks. She showed them how to garden and their favorite part – pick the fruit and eat it!
    I think you could surely say it was always fun at Grandma’s house.

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