Marilyn Ethel Crane's Obituary
Marilyn Ethel was born on March 22, 1947 to Pat and Violet Mooney in Reno, Nevada. She was the middle child and had older sister, Marsha Mooney Ward (husband Bob) and a younger brother, Patrick Mooney (wife Helen). Her early childhood was filled with activities including learning to swim at the old Riverside Hotel and pioneering the ski hills of Mount Rose. She attended our Lady of the Snows Catholic School and showed Great Spirit, although probably not the sprit that the nuns were looking for! Marilyn and best friend Donna were producers, directors and actors in the Whoater Theater which certainly must have served as a stepping off point for many a thespian career. Donna was also the inspiration for joining ballet where Marilyn usually danced in the chorus or played a tree or a flower while Donna basked in the limelight. Miss Archallee’s whacking stick was never far from Marilyns feet which is why chocolate eclairs became more desirable than tutus. Junior high was the beginning of public school education. Marilyn joined the band and was mediocre in playing flute, bass clarinet and baritone sax, but later learned that French horn players have great lips for kissing. Marilyn attended Earl Wooster High School, and along with friend Joan M. became the first mascot, the Wooster colt. Four legs protruding from a rather lumpy body provided great entertainment at the football games. Marilyn went on to the attend University of Nevada-Reno on a four year Sarah Fleischman scholarship. Her first masters was in home economics education and her second masters were in counseling and guidance. Both offered her the opportunity to be a compassionate professional in the school system where she was happiest being of services to others. She married James Crane who later died while serving on active duty. They had a son James. Marilyn thoroughly enjoyed her time with friends and family. Quite the pleasure seeker, she would quite happy spend hard earned money on a holiday, excellent meal or fine wine. She loved to travel and play golf. She toured Europe with her son, James and later with his new family, Kim, Marcus, Daniel and Branon. Marilyn invariably had a smile, joke, or some whimsical remark at the ready. She truly enjoyed life and checked off an impressive list of things to do before you die. She spent 32 years in the educational system working at University of Nevada, Reno High School Earl Wooster High School in Reno. St. Andrew’s Priory and Fern Elementary School in Hawaii. In lieu of flowers, donations to The American Kidney Foundation (6110 Exucutive Blvd. Rockville, MD 20852) Celebration o life service: 10:00a.m., Thursday (9/27) at Valley of the Temples Memorial Park Chapel; visitation from 9:00a.m.
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