Marian I. Stover

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Marian I. Stover died unexpectedly on January 10, 2015 while wintering in Sebring, FL. She was born November 28, 1925 to Calvin W. and Mildred (Luse) Stover. A graduate of North Side H.S., she attended Lawrence College, thriving on honors independent studies to earn her bachelor's degree. She taught in the IU Laboratory School while completing her master's degree from Indiana University. Her forty year career with Fort Wayne Community Schools (FWCS) began in 1949, teaching 5th-6th grades at Harrison Hill Elementary. Marian's leadership potential was recognized early on when she was appointed Principal of Price Elementary to begin the 1954 school year - shortly before her 30th birthday. Aware of the gap in her teaching experience, she devoted extra time at Price being with primary classes, even becoming "teacher for the day." While at Price, she was invited by Dr. John Goodlad, noted U. of Chicago educational leader, to join his research team in development and school site trial of new teaching approaches. This invaluable experience was a precursor of the innovative leadership which typified her principalships. She was chosen to open the new Glenwood (1965) and then the new Arlington (1975) elementary schools, noteworthy opportunities to demonstrate her leadership. Marian developed both schools to be fully functioning, even outstanding, schools, with vibrant school communities. Arlington became a leader in FWCS elementary school desegregation. Marian heard the tenor of her Arlington community and realized the need for interaction between her suburban school and central city school, Bunch, two schools paired for possible mandatory desegregation. With support of her counterpart at Bunch, the two schools began a weekly half-day social interaction program, sending students, teachers, and parents to the other school on an alternating schedule. PTA leaders met together to plan interactive activities, contests, recipe exchanges, etc. Marian believed that by getting to know each other, their apprehensions and anxieties would be replaced with acceptance and hope - creating a more willing climate for racial integration. The success of such exchanges was huge, and received the attention of the FWCS policy leaders. Marian's positive philosophy played a role in a turn from mandatory bussing to willingly requested school transfer. Arlington and Bunch were the first FWCS elementary schools to be integrated through parent requested transfer for purpose of integration. Marian's principalship years came in a time of extraordinary technological change also. She was among, if not the first, to prepare her school for the advent of computers as an educational tool. Her teachers knew how to use a computer before they ever had one in the classroom. She was an "out and about" principal, who actively knew her teachers and their teaching. They were willing participants in such innovative educational approaches as "team teaching", the "ungraded school", and school camping. Over the years she mentored five of her teachers to principalship appointments. She knew every child by name and parent volunteers were prominent in all that went on. One parent said, "I would find myself in the bee-hive of her activity and ask, How did "She" get me into this?' " Well, Marian's magnetic touch just drew you in. She retired from Arlington in 1989. She will long be remembered for the kinds of schools she created, as well as the kind of person she was. Certainly she will never be forgotten by those gathered to fete the 1989 administrative retirees. Marian ended her farewell remarks saying, " and I won't have to take all this S**T' anymore!", quoting an angry FWCS worker she had recently dismissed. She got a standing ovation when the shock waves finally wore down! Out of school, she was a well-rounded person and a much loved other' mother and "aunt". She was well loved by her two "sons", and six "nieces" and three "nephews". She filled their time together with games, stories, riddles, and silly songs; their tummies with ice cream; and their imaginations with the wealth of hers. She was an excellent swimmer, but in no other way athletic. She was everyone's favorite card partner. She enjoyed mystery books, though never as much as the classics or children's stories. To the world at large she seemed to be a regular person, but if one looked closer saw a hidden individualist, an adventurer who was happiest and at her best on the blue highways of life', the ones less traveled. Anyone who knew Marian knew of her keen interest in animal welfare. She shared her homes with the many dogs and cats who populated her life. In retirement, she became active in Central Florida rescue and fostering organizations with her focus mostly on the bichon breed. Marian took in the older ones, those so much more difficult to place. She truly had a heart of gold when it came to any person or creature whose situation she could improve. Marian is survived by her two most recent rescues, Annie B. and Pepper, aka "Billy Bad Ass". A camping trip took her to Lake of the Woods (LoW), Canada in 1961. Excepting the Great Lakes , LoW is the 6th largest lake in North America. It's 70 mile length is peppered with 14,552 islands. Marian was hooked by the pristine grandeur, and envisioned endless adventures. She tent-camped the maze of islands for several summers, in quest of one of the smaller islands that "bears were not as likely to share". Finally, in 1968, she became co-owner of an acre island. "Far From", as it becamed named. The nearest neighbors were a high power binocular view away. Remote, but within reach of Sioux Narrows, Ontario - civilization, where supplies and amenities could be had. First things first - an outhouse was dug and a sturdy dock put in, while still camping on the island. Plans were drafted and builders hired for over-winter construction. An idyllic cedar cabin was ready for move in, the summer of 1970. And move in she did, with Salvation Army finds' she'd hauled up over spring school vacation - including a 1930's Servel gas frig' and a wealth of antique wicker - what a find! She called it all "woodland chic" and never understood why "House Beautiful" hadn't called to schedule a spread! In her retirement summer of 1989 several additions were made to accommodate advancing age: a bedroom; a deck; an indoor composting toilet; a shower and sink with running water; a radio telephone from Bell Canada; and a solar system to power the newly required electrical components. She also installed electric lights for bunk bed reading and nightly card games. A merchant in Kenora swore "Far From" was the first island to have solar power. He was probably wrong, but not far off. Thanks to midnight sun there was daylight for work and play. Days began over coffee and her tea, planning the day's activities: a boat excursion to the secret muskie reef which was her private aquarium; walleye fishing way up north; a picnic on Timber Island beach with a hike to its peek; scouting for blueberries to pick by the gallon; or maybe a trip to the ancient pictographs and on to check the fledgling eaglets. Or, maybe a half-day of projects before sitting in Osprey Bay to watch the parents of baby osprey dive, then take their catch to babies left in the straggle atop a dead pine on the shore line. So many choices - and now retired so much time to do it all. Marian loved to say that the hardest choice was how many beers to take along - that from the teetotaler she was! As for so much time left, was there? In 2005, her mobility issues became too limiting for the hardships of island living and "Far From" was sold. Her dream ended, but not before it had come true, and not before she had conquered, sans GPS, at least a 50 mile radius from "Far From". Marian felt blessed to have 25 years in retirement. Like a bird, she migrated north to her Canadian island for the summers, then south to Florida for winter months. However, unlike the birds, she never flew, as her retinue of pets made flying impossible. She drove her "Suburban" and then a van to a beach front Florida rental on Cape San Blas or to one on nearby Saint George Island. Both locations were largely deserted in the winter season, but she liked their uniqueness and natural beauty. In 1995, she traded the van for a 28 foot motor home, in which she satisfied her wanderlust on fall colored trips and winter stays throughout Florida. Finally, she joined friends and settled down in a golf course front villa community in Sebring FL., the real Florida'! After many years of coastal living she easily traded the glitz and congestion for the rural ambience of Central Florida. Each year the stop-overs in Fort Wayne became shorter, but she never thought to pull up her roots. Yes, that streak of snow white in her dark hair, which spread to a blizzard crowning her head is long gone, and now so is the twinkle in her eyes as she shared your companionship. Although gone from our presence, she will live forever in the many hearts filled with their own memories of Marian. She was an extraordinary school leader, a loving friend, an adventurous woman who forged her own path and lived life to the hilt. An only child, Marian had no immediate survivors. One of the greatest joys of her life was being "other" mother to her "special" son and daughter-in-law Charles D. (Sonya) Corey and "Granny Marian" to his children, "Chazz", Charles Jr. , and "Monie". She also leaves a long-time friend, M. Jane Garber and her foster son Darryl "Hank" Parks; the surviving members of the H.H. (Rhoda) Niswander family who never knew a day of their lives without their "Aunt" Marian; and cousins: the adult children of her recently deceased cousin, Elizabeth (Betty) Johnston; and Myrna Luse and her son Chris in Minnesota. At Marian's wishes there will be no formal funeral services. Her cremains will be taken to the "Far From" area where they will spend eternity with those of the many cats and dogs who shared her life. The call of the loons will tell her she is Home. Preferred memorials to further her caring nature are to Allen County SPCA, 4914 Hanna St., Fort Wayne, IN 46806 (www.acspca.org) and Latin American Missions Board (Dr. Jane Weaver) P.O. Box 15663, Fort Wayne, IN 46885 (www.lambonline.org) Arrangements entrusted to: Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home (863) 385-0125 Online condolences may be left at: www.stephensonnelsonfh.com