Marie Delia Garrow was born in Portland, Oregon, to Veva (née Portwood) and Leo Garrow. Growing up in a lively Portland neighborhood, she attended St. Stephen’s for all 12 of her school years. Her father’s relatives, with their French-Belgian heritage, welcomed her on visits to their farm in Reedville, Oregon. After graduation she enjoyed working at for a time at Montgomery Wards.
While visiting her mother’s relatives in Condon, eastern Oregon, Marie accepted an invitation to a rodeo with Vere McCarty. He came to the city to see her, they became engaged, married in 1941 and started a family.
Vere started a career with Veterans Affairs, and this brought them to Salem and Keizer, where more children arrived and they lived out their lives.
Marie was known for the longevity of her friendships. Through family and neighbors, school boards and school kitchens, Scouting, Zenith Club, a booth at the Oktoberfest, bridge and pinochle and dance clubs, community service, exchange students, employment at the State Library for the Blind, travels near and far, work at the Keizer Volunteer Library, she made many friends who blessed the family’s lives.
Vere, her husband of 60 years, passed away in 2002. After sustaining a productive life on her own, Marie moved to Mount Angel Towers at age 98. She passed away at 103, surrounded by loved ones. She leaves seven children and many grand and great-grand children.
The family expressed heartfelt thanks to all who knew and loved Marie, and to the attentive caregivers at Mount Angel Towers, Providence Benedictine Home Health and Willamette Valley Hospice.
In honor of Marie’s joy in her career as a librarian, the family suggests donations to your local library.
