Marian M. Kreithen, loving and loved mother and grandmother, died on May 17, 2020, at the age of 82. She was the daughter of A. Clarke Miller and Catherine Evans Miller.
She was born Marian Evans Miller in Massillon, Ohio, and grew up in North Canton, Ohio.
She attended College of Wooster and did her graduate work at University of Maryland. She was a gifted and skilled teacher. She taught at several universities, including University of Maryland and the School of Hotel Administration at Cornell University. She taught upper-level and graduate courses in many subjects, including aesthetics, moral and political philosophy, written communication, ESL, and inductive and deductive logic.
She always bent her career around the needs of her family, teaching Montessori when her children were young and later collaborating with her husband, Melvin L. Kreithen, in his biological research laboratory.
She cared deeply about learning, language, good writing, and clear thinking. In addition to taking many challenging advanced courses well into her final years, she read extensively, building both depth and breadth in many subjects, from history and theology to poetry and natural history.
She enthusiastically shared her love of learning with her grandchildren, guiding and enriching both their homeschooling and school years.
In her “retirement” years, she dedicated her time and talent to serving her churches and diocese. She served as directress of the Altar Guild at Church of the Ascension for many years. She was part of the team that planted Incarnation Church and served on the vestry there, and was on the leadership team of Women Alive in Christ. She also served as President of Diocesan Council for the Anglican Diocese of Pittsburgh.
Her quiet demeanor belied a courageous, adventurous spirit that revealed itself in her younger years in sailing, open-water scuba diving, and extensive travel, and in her later years as determined participation in family and church life despite declining health. Her subtle and incisive sense of humor left people thinking as hard as they were laughing, and no one could tell a story quite like she could.
She had keen insight into people and a gift for encouraging both friends and strangers with gentle wisdom. She brought clarity and understanding to many circumstances, all with a beautiful smile and a sparkle of fun in her eyes. Her warmth and deep understanding were a blessing to those around her and will be greatly missed.
Predeceased by brother A. Clarke Miller, husband Melvin L. Kreithen, and brother-in-law Bob Kaufman.
Survived by son David (Deanna), daughter Amy (Michael Shiner), grandsons Robert and William Shiner, sister-in-law (“but you’re really my sister”) Renée, niece Liana, nephew Jonathan, and many cousins.
Due to Covid precautions, the Funeral Service will be private but livestreamed from Church of the Ascension (Pittsburgh) on June 4th at 5:00 p.m [ascensionpittsburgh.org or Church of the Ascension YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIct1Q91KyPpN9PWw_g9KCA]
A memorial will be held when large gatherings are possible again. Until we can all gather as we normally would, the family asks that condolences and memories be shared on Marian’s memorial page at www.weddellajak.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Anglican Diocese of Pittsburgh.
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