NAPA

Marion Mendelsohn, a resident of Napa for over 60 years, died at Piner's Guest Home on Nov. 30, 2006. She was a frequent volunteer at Senior Friendship Club, Master Gardeners, Napa Valley Quilters, Elder Hostels, Military Widows and Estee Club.

She was born in Ohio on Sept. 9, 1917, into the large Galloway family and received her education in Utah, coming to California during World War II. She married Joseph Mendelsohn, an Air Force veteran.

They raised their daughters on a goat dairy in north Napa. When her husband died in 1968, Marion sold the herd of goats, but she kept the farm. With the daughters away from home, she joined the Peace Corps, spending eight years in Brazil teaching agriculture to the natives. She then backpacked, often alone, through Egypt, Turkey, France, Russia, China, India, Australia, Mexico, Hawaii, the Fiji Islands, Finland and Sweden. While in India, she worked alongside Mother Teresa caring for disabled children.

Marion was a much-loved mentor by her friends of all ages. Her motto was, "travel on a 'shoe string,' not first class, meet the working people and learn to speak their language, make friends wherever you are." Thus, she leaves friends all over the world.

She was predeceased by her husband and both of her daughters, Josephine Kohn of Seattle and "Jody" Hastings of Napa. She is survived by her grandchildren, Mark Shepard and Diana.

Friends are invited to attend a memorial service on Dec. 6 at 2 p.m. at Treadway & Wigger Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Ed Hart, pastor of Napa's First Presbyterian Church, officiating. Contributions to the Napa County Historical Society or a charity of the donor's choice have been suggested. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family online at www.treadwayandwiggerfuneralchapel.com.