Marie Giddings Gary's Obituary
Marie Giddings Gary of Severna Park, MD and Port Orange, FL passed away April 25, 2015 after a long illness. She was 86 years old. Marie was born March 23, 1929 to Arthur and Lydia Giddings. Marie grew up in Severna Park, attending Annapolis High School where she was quite the athlete, playing varsity field hockey, basket ball, and softball. Marie attended Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church as a child through young adult. Then she returned to Woods after many years away from Severna Park. In Florida, Marie attended New Hope Baptist Church in Port Orange.
After graduating from high school, Marie attended Bard Avon Business School and was one of the original members of the Sigma Beta Business Sorority serving as president at one time. Marie worked as a secretary at the Naval Academy where she met and later married the love of her life, LT Stanley Platt Gary. She also worked at the Naval Station in Norfolk, VA and in Monterey, CA. Marie enjoyed her role as Navy wife for 24 years, during which she entertained commanding officers from countless naval stations across the US, politicians, and many friends. In addition, Marie also learned to fly a plane and soloed so that she could co-pilot for her husband, Stan.
Marie was always an active volunteer, helping in all organizations in which she participated, whether it was in her community of Cape Arthur in Severna Park or at the Spruce Creek Fly-In Community in Port Orange, FL where she was a member of the Country Club for 28 years, the Garden Club, and the Flying Club. When her children were young, she taught Sunday School and was a Brownie leader. In the later years of her life, she worked with Meals on Wheels for 35 years, either packing or delivering at both her Florida and Maryland residences. Marie loved her waterfront home in Severna Park, taking pleasure in cutting the lawn and gardening. She was a loving wife and mother and always made a point of expressing to others how important her friends and family were to her.
Marie is survived by her husband Stanley of 62 years, brothers, John Giddings and Robert Giddings, her children Barbara and Donald, five grandchildren and 2 great- grandchildren. A memorial service is planned for Saturday, May 2nd at 2PM at Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church in Severna Park, MD. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Myeloma Institute, UAMS Myeloma Institute Development Office, 4301 W. Markham Street, #816, Little Rock, AR 72205-9985 or go to myeloma.uams.edu
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