Marion Laura Schwantes, resident of Burlingame, passed away April 1, 2010 at Peninsula Hospital, Burlingame, after a long illness at home. She is survived by her husband Robert (Bob) Schwantes, three daughters, Virginia Manley of Carpinteria, CA; Janet Lockwood of Mukilteo, WA; and Ingrid Jackoway of Newark, DE. She was the admiring grandmother of Philippa G. Manley, Eric Graves, and Alan and Daniel Jackoway. Her sister Ruth Briehl lives in Tacoma, WA; her youngest sister Dorothy Blazkovec preceded her in death. Marion was born in Fennimore, Wisconsin on June 26, 1921, the oldest child of Ford and Edna (Brechler) Miles. She attended the University of Wisconsin, Platteville for training in early childhood education. After teaching one year she married Robert. During his naval service overseas she and newly born Virginia lived with her parents and Marion did some teaching. After the war she lived in Boulder, CO. Cambridge and Watertown, Massachusetts, and New York City while Robert did graduate work, teaching and research. They moved to California in 1954 when Robert joined The Asia Foundation. They then spent five years on assignment in Japan. Upon return to the United States in 1962 the family settled permanently in Burlingame, California. Marion was then primarily devoted to helping Bob in his continuing work at The Asia Foundation and with guiding the education and character development of their daughters. She was an innovative seamstress, an adventurous cook and a gracious hostess. She was active in church affairs, not only at St. Paul's Episcopal parish in Burlingame, but served for many years on the board of Stanford Canterbury chaplaincy and for nine years on the Women's Board of the Diocese of California. After Bob's retirement in 1988, they traveled somewhat until illness kept her confined to the home. A Memorial service will be held at 2 pm, Saturday April 24 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 415 El Camino Real, Burlingame, CA. Contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to St. Paul's Endowment Fund or a charity of your choice. Arrangements by: Crosby-N. Gray & Co, Burlingame, CA 650-342-6617.

Published in San Jose Mercury News/San Mateo County Times from April 22 to April 24, 2010.