Marian Carter

Published 9:29 am Monday, February 12, 2024

Marian Carter

March 17, 1931 – January 15, 2024

Marian Arlene Smith Carter passed away peacefully on January 15, 2024, in Bend, Oregon. Marian was born in Portland on March 17, 1931, to Stephen and Hutoka Smith; she joined two sisters, Virginia and Patty. Marian spent her early childhood in Scappoose, and then grew up in Portland where she graduated from Grant High School.

Upon graduation, Marian attended University of Oregon where she attained her Bachelor’s Degree. She joined the Delta Gamma sorority and remained active in alumni activities as an adult. While attending college, she met her future husband, Doug, on a blind date. They were married in 1952 and had almost 69 years together until Doug’s death in 2021. They had three children, Steven Reed (Martha), Diane Marian, and Susan Gail (Michael). Marian was a grandmother to Jesse and Erin Carter, and Andrew, Jarred, and Allison Saralecos (Newberry). She was blessed with 5 great grandsons – Carter, Oakley, Jasper, Marshall and Nolan.

Marian, Doug and their children made their home in Portland, Lake Oswego, and later Salem. After their children were grown, the couple moved to Arizona, and later to Alabama, for Doug’s work. In retirement, they made their home at Black Butte Ranch, and later, Bend. Marian was particularly fond of their time at Black Butte Ranch, where they found a community of dear friends, and played endless games of golf, a passion she shared with Doug that was always near and dear to her heart.

Marian was an exceptional homemaker, wife, mother, and community volunteer. She was active in her support of Boy Scouts and Camp Fire Girls. The Assistance League provided many opportunities for her to support her community, as did the Salem Art Association, and the Association for Blind Seniors. She was also active in her Delta Gamma alumni group. Marian loved being outside, whether it be keeping up her yard, taking backpacking trips with her family, or playing golf. Marian was an outstanding seamstress, and her love for cooking and creative skills in the kitchen made for wonderful family meals and celebrations, as well as many, many opportunities for entertaining friends. She enjoyed reading, crosswords, and jigsaw puzzles.

Marian and Doug loved to take road-trips together, whether it be for a Sunday afternoon, or across the country. They were both avid golfers and found great joy in playing together and with friends, both at home and at courses in other states. During their long and happy marriage, Marian and Doug never ran out of things to talk about, and they often shared games of gin rummy and dominos. On Saturdays in the fall, you would find them front and center watching their Oregon Ducks.

Marian touched many lives; she was creative, thoughtful, kind, and a hard worker. She brought joy into the lives of countless people around her and she will be dearly missed. We will continue to hear her laugh as we experience moments of great joy, feel her embrace as we navigate challenging times, and call upon her wisdom and sense of adventure at each new turn. Her legacy will live on in all those who loved her.