Marian Hartley

Friday's Fabulous Flyer! 

Marian Hartley 
will be missed by all!

Marian Hartley, long-time member of the Greater Seattle 99s flew to New Horizons December 9, 2018. After a rough couple of years with health challenges, falls, broken bones, in and out of the hospital and rehab, she passed in complete peace with her entire family at her bedside. 

The photos throughout this post were sent by members from her many activities, and attendance at conferences around the world. A few snapshots of a life lived well. 

January 1, 2019 would have been Marian's 83rd birthday, and by months end, she would have been a 30-year member of the 99s. If I had joined my 99 chapter when I began flying, I would have known her for thirty years myself. But I came many years late to the the 99s, and think I've made only 4 meetings due to my schedule. Meetings or not, the Seattle 99's and Marian's love of aviation have inspired me to give back to our community, and to know the essence of aviation passion. The women in the Seattle Chapter are amazing, and Marian Hartley will be remembered by all.  

Marian, Andrea, Theresa

Marian (with Theresa, and Andrea above) continually gave the gift of aviation to everyone she met. When I encourage young aviators to join the 99's, the reason is because of the ladies in the 99-Seattle chapter and all they give back to the world of aviation. Marian was the heart of this chapter, and her passion will carry on because of all who have known her. 

Andrea says, "All who knew Marian know what a sweet and kind person she was, always willing to share an encouraging word, especially to new aviators. She attended most chapter meetings until this past year."

At our chapter meeting in Issaquah last month, Andrea passed around a large get well card for everyone to sign. They took that card to Marian a week later. I do believe they made her day, as the Seattle 99's gave her a bit of joy during her recovery. Theresa said, "That was a good day for her. Then at our chapter Christmas party, Andrea called her on FaceTime and passed the phone around for us all to wish her well. It was great to see her happy face. A week later, she was gone."

Marian had been a 99 since January 24, 1989 and in many ways was the heart and soul of the Greater Seattle Chapter. She served in a number of chapter offices and several positions including Chapter Chair, Secretary, News Reporter, and for the longest time as our Chapter Newsletter Editor. She was always ready to pitch in, staffing booths, air-marking, serving on committees at Northwest Section. She was such a sweet and kind person, always willing to share an encouraging word, especially to new aviators.

Marian and her late husband, Dan, owned a Cherokee 6 and enjoyed flying to the many activities in their community of 99s, EAA, Young Eagles, Angel Flight and the Arlington Fly-in. As aviation enthusiasts, they held a particular interest in promoting education in aviation, especially for the next generation. Dan was very involved in the founding of Raisbeck Aviation High School which has named a scholarship in his memory. Marian further supported the students in aviation by encouraging 99s to attend their annual fundraiser held at the Museum of Flight.

As well as aviation, Marian served for years as a MOPS leader (Mothers of Preschoolers), Sunday School Teacher, Campfire Girls troop leader and PTA member. She will continue to be an inspiration to us all and will be greatly missed.

Andrea shared this from Marian's daughter the day she passed:

"Hi Andrea, Mom entered the house of the Lord just after 6:30. She passed in complete peace with her entire family there, and we are imagining the joyous reunion with my dad, so many family and friends, and best of all that she is with our blessed Savior!" Mary

Messages From Marian's 99 sisters and brothers

"Dear Sister 99's,  I'm late to add my thoughts but not because I didn't love Marian. When I walked up to the 99s booth in Puyallup in 2006 I had just soloed and was so proud to walk up and ask to be a member. That was a magical moment. I still remember her lovely face as she presented me with my blue Pendelton blazer on the spot. I miss her a lot and hope she is happy and comfortable. I will be there when her funeral is announced."  Marty 

New Zealand for the 99s

International Conference in 2005

"Thank you for keeping me posted about everything happening up in Seattle, Theresa. I'm in tears, I loved Marian so much." Christine 

"I am saddened to hear of Marian's passing. It was a memorable experience to be in touch with her at the Christmas party. Thank you so much for getting us together one more time." Elise

“Marion was always a caring, gracious lady and a huge supporter of our 99 Chapter. My most fond memory of Marion is our New Zealand International Meeting.” Bobbi

"Thank you for keeping us informed. It’s been a joy knowing Marian. I’m grateful for her faith and example. It good to know she was surrounded by loved ones as she flew peacefully West to heaven. When it’s our turn to leave this earthly life, there will undoubtedly be many reunions not only with family members who have preceded us but with our Ninety-Nine friends like Nancy and Marian. It will be a great reunion to see her and so many we love." Gin

"Thank you for keeping us all aware of Marian’s very sad passing. She was such a special and gracious friend to all of us. She will be missed but I am sure she is in a much better place. I feel very fortunate for having known her and Dan and hope they are again enjoying each other’s company." Helen

"I am so sorry to hear the news. Marian was such a vibrant and giving member of the chapter for so many years. How sad to hear of her passing. She will be truly missed. " Kristina 

The Big Island of Hawaii in 2010 

99s International Conference

"Thank you for letting us all know. Marian will surely be missed! Both Marian and Dan were so generous to us when we moved out here to the Northwest. They offered their home to Dennis for the first few weeks until he could find housing. They had never met us – just knew I was a 99."  Eva

"I am so saddened to hear of Marian’s passing. She was always so supportive of me. I will miss her greatly."  Susan

"I’m so sorry to hear this news! Marian was a big part of my 99s experience!" Nichole '

“Yes, praise the Lord for His love and for Marian loving him. I am sure Dan has the airplane fired up and ready to go for her heavenly arrival. Love from all the 99s” Andrea

“I am so sorry to hear about Marian. She was a fun lady, full of life and spunk! She will be missed.” Nikki

One of Marian's greatest gifts was sharing the love of aviation and helping other pilots to follow their dreams. She and Dan also donated to the Mission Aviation Fellowship.

The Seattle Chapter has set up donations for Marian and her husband, Dan, to be donated to the Forest of Friendship: "A living, growing memorial to the world history of aviation and aerospace. The Forest was a gift to America on her 200th birthday in 1976 from the City of Atchison, Kansas (the birthplace of Amelia Earhart); The Ninety-Nines (International Organization of Women Pilots), and the Kansas State University, Kansas Forest Service."

If you would like to donate in honor of Marian, please send donations to the Seattle Chapter Treasurer:

Beverly Fogle
6533 Seaview Ave NW
Apt 403A
Seattle WA 98117-6049

Please make the checks out to Greater Seattle 99s. If you prefer to donate directly to the chapter scholarship instead of the Forest memorial, simply indicate on the check or with a note. If they receive more than the $450 for the Forest, they will apply the rest to our Seattle chapter scholarship. 

Touching the lives of others

and Inspiring the Future

“I’ll donate and recommend both. Dan was a friend and an important guy for the lifeblood of engineers at Boeing as the SPEEA president. Marian’s been a friend forever. The 99s donated air travel for me to attend the ceremony at the FoF. (I think Trish’s husband donated passes for me and a granddaughter.) We got to meet astronaut Sandy Magnus. (That may have shaped Emily’s career choices as a mechanical engineer at the Naval Academy....) I also bought a paver at the Amelia Earhart birthplace museum. Fly Safe, Folks!"  Tom 

Marian's memorial service:

Please join us at Marian's Memorial.

Saturday, February 2nd at 1 pm
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church,
19030 8th Ave S
Seatac, WA

Godspeed, Marian. We'll miss you!

Enjoy the Journey

XO Karlene