BIG BEAR LAKE, CALIF. - Marian Francis Dakin Gettig, 88, passed away on Monday, Oct. 8, 2012, in Big Bear Lake.
She was born on Aug. 11, 1924, in Warren, the daughter of Algie Dakin and Sue Parry Dakin.
She was a Warren native and resident for most of her life, graduating from Warren G. Harding High School and raising a family of three in the Warren area.
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Marian F. Dakin Gettig
She spent her last nine years living with and near her daughter Sue Willson in Big Bear Lake. Marian battled Alzheimer's disease and for the last 5 1/2 years was a resident at Erwin Lake Elderly Care.
Marian had a busy career in administrative services and communications, working as one of the last manual switchboard operators for the Warren Telephone Co. during the days of single and party line telephone service. She later served as executive secretary to an area clergy, the corporate receptionist for Wean Industries in Warren, and also worked in marketing and advertising phone sales for the Niles Times before retiring.
She was very active in the Niles Methodist Church. She also provided caregiving to various neighbors in her apartment complex in Niles. Marian was an avid swimmer and loved being near the water. After retirement, Marian had the opportunity to travel extensively both here and abroad. Her life-long passion was sewing, and as an expert seamstress, she often made clothes for family and friends, as well as her own wardrobe.
She is survived by two sisters, Nancy Hart of Chardon and Sue Shingler of Newton Falls. Marian also has three children. Her oldest daughter, Karen Chin lives in Virginia. Her son, Roger Gettig lives in Denver and her youngest daughter, Sue Willson, is living in Big Bear Lake. Marian also has nine grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson.
Two other sisters, Lois Keith of Cortland and Jean Luscombe of Warren preceded her death.
Marian's independent, determined, resourceful and gentle personality will be remembered by all in many memories, which reflect her bright spirit. She will be greatly missed and remembered by family and all whose lives she touched.
There will be no calling hours, and a private family memorial will take place at a later date. Marian's family would like to sincerely thank the Erwin Lake Elderly Care family in Big Bear City who provided such loving care for her over the last 5 1/2 years of her life.
Arrangements were handled by Arrowhead Aftercare, Calif.
(special notice)