Marian Pauline Vowel's Obituary
Marian Pauline Brady Vowel passed away on Sunday, October 23, 2022 in Tulsa. She was born June 1, 1935, in Webbers Falls, OK.
Marian grew up in and attended Webbers Falls schools, graduating in 1953. She obtained a degree in home economics from Oklahoma A&M (OSU) in 1956 and soon after married Max. After brief periods in Oklahoma City and El Paso, they settled in Tulsa. Marian was an educator, teaching junior high thru junior college level and many extension classes while raising a family. She successfully sold designer fabric and was a style consultant and district manager for Beauty for All Seasons before obtaining her Masters from OU, all while teaching part time. She retired after more than a decade as a nutritionist with the Oklahoma Department of Education.
Marian enjoyed tennis (competed in multiple senior Olympics), bridge, music, book clubs, yoga and Pilate and various games (competing vigorously!). She enjoyed learning throughout her life, including the Spanish language in retirement. She had a life-long passion for travel, visiting most US states, many countries in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Central America, Australia and New Zealand but always returned home where she felt most at peace with Max. She cultivated a lively and varied social group of friends and enjoyed hosting social gatherings and foreign students.
Marian was nurturing, caring, and took great care of her children and family. Home was always open and welcoming to her children’s friends. She made many sacrifices for her children, and encouraged each of them to succeed in their own unique way. Marian inspired each of her children in the way she lived her life every day, always setting a good example of patience, kindness, respect, and more patience.
Marian was committed to Max and his co-pilot in life. She took pride in hosting and entertaining Max’s colleagues and business associates with her wonderful dinner parties and was always the ultimate hostess. Anyone who knew her experienced this first hand. She was very organized and enjoyed putting together different events and parties, from small intimate gatherings with friends, to large gatherings for celebrating an event, promotion, birthday or anniversary.
Marian is survived by her husband of 66 years, Max; daughters Kim Vowel of Phoenix, AZ; and Tracy Vowel, London and Norway & husband, Einar Helland of Stavanger, Norway; two grandchildren and much extended family. She was preceded in death by her mother and stepfather, Ione and Henry Bussell; son Craig Vowel; and sister Lou Ann Ward.
A memorial service will be held at 12:30 PM on Monday, October 31, 2022 at Floral Haven; 6500 S. 129 E. Ave, Broken Arrow, OK. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to a charity in her memory.
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