Marianne was born to Guy and Anna Oakes in 1931 in Bellingham, Washington, with a natural talent for music. She grew up in Bellingham, graduating from Bellingham High School before attending Western Washington University, where she graduated in 1952 with a degree in secondary education. Marianne taught at the high school in Cusick, Washington, before moving to Gresham, Oregon, and teaching at Orient Elementary School. Marianne was a beloved educator who taught a variety of students, ranging from elementary to high school and various subjects, including music, throughout her 40-year career in teaching. She was often times approached by former students who spoke of their affinity for their favorite teacher.
Marianne married the love of her life, Michael Hartman, in 1973. She loved a man in uniform and Michael fit the bill as a former Naval Academy graduate turned teacher. For the next several decades, the two taught together, traveled the world and shared many adventures with each other. Marianne loved to cook and bake. She operated two catering companies, in addition to teaching full-time and enjoyed providing her family with wonderful meals. Marianne was one tough cookie. She survived 13 major surgeries and two rounds of breast cancer to include radiation and chemotherapy. Her resilience, determination, kindness and beauty defined her as a true matriarch.
Marianne is survived by her daughter, Julie; and grandchildren, Bianca and Eric. She was predeceased by her husband, Michael; and daughter, Tami. Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m., Sunday, March 13, 2022, at the Gresham Memorial Chapel. Interment will be at 11 a.m., Tuesday, March 15, 2022, at Willamette Cemetery.
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