Remember

Mrs. Marianne Burns Ashenhurst

  • July 8, 1914 - February 4, 2011
  • La Jolla, California
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Memories & Candles

“I treasure my memories of cooking with Grandma Marian. She taught me that being in the kitchen is fun. She was a wise spender too. I loved it when...Read More » ”
1 of 5 | Posted by: Kelley Garrett - Fortuna, CA

“For 57 years Marian was my step-mother. We sailed across the Pacific Ocean together to a land which would profoundly impact both of us, Japan. We...Read More » ”
2 of 5 | Posted by: Dixie Ashenhurst Garrett - CA

“I truly miss Grandma Marian. She has been such an important person in my life. I feel blessed that I got to be with her for a full 50 years! Not...Read More » ”
3 of 5 | Posted by: Spring Garrett - McKinleyville, CA

“I just returned from an extended trip to Asia and heard from Michael Gilbert (my cousin) of Marianne's passing. I last saw Marianne about four years...Read More » ”
4 of 5 | Posted by: Harry Ashenhurst - Scottsdale, AZ

“Marianne was an amazing aunt. She was always involved in something interesting and had a joy in living. She shared many trips with us to the San...Read More » ”
5 of 5 | Posted by: Michael Gilbert - Spokane, WA


Marian (Marianne) Burns Ashenhurst
July 8, 1914 - February 4, 2011. Her maker granted her 96 youthful years, as well as a graceful passing.

Born in Spokane, Washington, Marian later moved to Crescent City,
California with her family, graduating from Del Norte High in 1932. She
then attended UC Berkeley where she obtained a degree in Home Economics.
Beginning her career as a Home Ec teacher in Weed, California, she dearly
loved the sight of Mt. Shasta reflecting the setting sun. She so relished
this vision that she’d walk backwards, uphill, on her way home from work to
avoid turning her gaze from the sight. However, Marian soon moved to San
Diego where she'd heard the weather was fine and where she was to remain
the rest of her life. Here, she met and married Hayes Milton Ashenhurst.
Together they lived in Sasebo, Japan for a time before embarking upon a
world tour. Returning to San Diego they built their dream home based upon
Japanese shibui principles.

Over her career Marian educated thousands of students in the art of
homemaking, teaching at San Diego High and retiring from Horace Mann Junior
High. Retirement allowed her the leisure for extensive world traveling,
which she enjoyed immensely. She also remained active and engaged with
such groups as the California Retired Teachers Association, the American
Association of Family and Consumer Science, and the Ohara School of Ikebana
International. She regularly attended the theatre and took every
opportunity to visit the San Diego Zoo, Sea World, local museums and
beaches with family and friends.

Her happy-go-lucky and sunny nature echoed a love for yellow flowers, and she
possessed a matchless ability to laugh at herself. Marian joyously
retained her independence and lively spirit to her very end. Her appetite
for life and merry eyes will be remembered. Preceded in death by her
beloved sister Marjorie and her husband Hayes, she is survived by her
sister Patty Kammerer, step-children Dixie Garrett and Tracy Depue,
grandchildren Spring Garrett, Kelley Garrett, Manning Garrett and Abigail
Depue Stout, five great-grandchildren, and many dear friends. In keeping
with her wishes, no final services will be performed.

Donations in her memory may be made to the Zoologial Society of San Diego or San Diego Hospice.

“All day, all night Marianne,
Down by the seaside siftin’ sand,
Even little children love Marianne,
Down by the seaside siftin’ sand.”
Lyrics by Terry Gilkyson