Lasting Memories

Marilyn Howarth
May 20, 1928-April 5, 2021
Palo Alto, California

Passed away peacefully at home on April 5th, 2021 in Palo Alto, California. Marilyn Lewis was born May 20th, 1928 in Ann Arbor Michigan, she was 92 years old. Marilyn was the youngest daughter of Rev. Dr. Henry and May Lewis. Rev. Dr. Lewis was the towns Episcopal Minister, and later a Minister at St Marks in Palo Alto.

She was athletic in her youth, and loved playing tennis and figure skating more than anything. A talented figure skater, she hoped to join a professional skating group. She trained under skating coaches in Lake Placid and Colorado Springs, and competed in State and Regional championships.

But things changed when she decided to head west to attend Stanford University. She joined the rally squad as one of the ”Dollies”, the women’s tennis team, and met her future husband, Tom Howarth. She received a degree in Elementary Education from Stanford University in 1950.

Marilyn married Tom in 1950 in Ann Arbor, honeymooned in Carmel, and 10 days later Tom shipped out for the Korean War. He was stationed in Tokyo, Japan, so Marilyn got on a troop ship two months later to join him. While there, she taught English to the local children. After sixteen months, they returned to settle in Atherton where they raised four boys.

She was an excellent tennis player - and a long time member of Foothills Tennis and Swim Club, and Menlo Country Club. She was forever a fantastic mom, mother-in-law and grandmother. After the kids left for college, Marilyn and Tom divided their time between their home in Atherton of 53 years and their “Cottage” in Carmel.

Marilyn was affectionately known as “Mimi” by her family and friends. An elegant woman of style and taste, she enjoyed creating beauty in her home and surroundings. She was married to Tom for 65 years before he died in 2015. Mimi will always be remembered as a strong, caring, athletic and patient woman (had to be raising 4 boys) who put her family first. Mimi is survived by her loving sons Dave (Ann) Carmel, Ca, Jeff (Brenda) Carmel, Ca, Matt (Joan) Sonoma, Ca, Tim (Sandi) Auburn, Ca, five grandchildren, four great grandchildren, and her older sister Katherine Bailey, with whom she laughed with every day. She will be missed – especially on the first of every month when she called each son to wish them good luck with “Rabbit Rabbit”.

The family is grateful for the compassionate care provided by Josie Helu. A private family celebration of life will be held later in the year. In memory, donations may be made to the Arthritis Foundation (www.arthritis.org).