Marian Stickney Edsall
April 24, 1920 - November 28, 2013
Obituary
MIDDLETON-Marian Stickney Edsall, age 93, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 28, at Artisan assisted living care center in Middleton. She remained feisty and indefatigable to the end. Despite her declining health, Marian always maintained her good nature and sense of humor. She was a great admirer of nature and helped inform the world about plants and animals through the books she wrote and photos she shot. Marian also penned delightful children's books, including one featuring a character named after her daughter, Sandra. In addition to being an author, travel writer, editor and photographer, Marian was a tireless advocate for Wisconsin's library system. She played an important role in establishing and promoting the library system in south central Wisconsin. Marian was graduated from University High School in Chicago, Ill., and Wellesley College with a degree in Art History. She also did post graduate work at the Art Institute of Chicago. Marian was a lifelong learner and enjoyed acquiring and honing new artistic skills, working with stained class, pottery and water colors. James Edsall (deceased) was the love of her life, having married on Nov. 20, 1943 in Chicago. The happy couple traveled all over the globe, including to South East Asia, the Pacific Islands and Canada. Hiking, biking and camping were among their treasured pastimes. Marian is preceded in death by her brother, William Dickover Stickney; and her parents Harry and Hazel Stickney. She is survived by her daughter, Sandra Allen (Dennis); granddaughter, Maureen Busalacchi (Stephen); great-grandchildren, Olivia and Serena Busalacchi; in addition to many friends. The family wishes to thank the staff at the Artisan for making certain Marian was well cared for in the last couple of years of her life. A memorial visitation celebrating Marian's long and productive life will be held at ASHMAN LIBRARY, Madison, from 10 a.m. to Noon on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Wisconsin's South Central Library System Foundation in Marian's honor. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761
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Photos
Memories
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Grandma in younger years
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Christmas with great granddaughters
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Good memories
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Evelyn Scott
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In addition to her depth of knowledge of the natural world, Marian had a very silly side to her personality.
While walking on the beach at Grand Isle, LA campground, we noticed frequent rabbit droppings. Marian attributed the frequency and size to the rare Sea Bunny and told us some of the unique habits of these creatures, i.e..hanging out near oil platforms and chewing on the supporting metal structures .
Thus began a 2-3 year exchange of rabbit-themed decor. Examples: I have a rabbit boot scraper at the front door, candle holder in the kitchen window and, t;he ultimate treasure, a stained glass hanging of a rabbit afloat in the water. ( a Jim Edsall original).
Farewell dear friend. We shared so many happy hours with you and Jim---and many Happy Hours.
You've left your family with years of fine memories. My love and thoughts of comfort to them
Ev Scott
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Charles Bunge
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I extend my sympathy to Marian's family on their loss. I remember Marian as a great advocate of libraries. She had a wonderful combination of enthusiasm for a cause and competence to further that cause with hard work and insight. I worked with her on various projects within the Wisconsin Library Association and in association with the Wisconsin Division of Library Services. She always brought out the best in those around her, inspiring us with her wisdom and willingness to work hard toward important goals. She will be missed by the library community. Charles Bunge, Professor Emeritus, UW-Madison School of Library and Information Studies
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Kathy Rinzel
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I had the privilege of assisting Marian as one of her caregivers these past few years. We shared the daily simple treasures of life; hours of attentive conversation filled with her adventures, beloved memories, reflections, amazing wit, along with smiles, laughter, prayers and a few tears. She often took me, through her vivid recollections, to her childhood summer cottage home on Lake Michigan. I felt as if I was there with her and it warmed the winter months for me. We watched the birds and the antics of the squirrels, sat by the lake in admiring silence, enjoyed picnics in summer, and drives through parks and the countryside....often in search of wildflowers and every dog along the way. I thank you dear Marian for your caring listening, for all you taught me, for sharing your life with me, for your kindness to me, for making me laugh, and for allowing me to be your companion and assist you. I will miss you and our times together. I do love you. My sincere sympathy to all her family as you grieve her passing.