Marian G. Prine, of Oak Harbor, beloved wife for 60 years of Cecil E. Prine, SM/Sgt. USAF (Ret.), died Dec. 14, 2004 at Whidbey General Hospital.
Mrs. Prine was born Jan. 18, 1927, in Leicester, Leicestershire, England, to Gerald Potter and Grace (Middleton) Potter. She was raised in Leicester, where she graduated from high school. World War II was escalating when Marian met Cecil, a young American GI who was a paratrooper for the 82nd Airborne, and about to take part in the Normandy Invasion. They fell in love, and were married March 24, 1945, in St. Mary’s Church, in Saffron Lane in Leicester. (At first, Cecil’s commanding officer was not going to allow the wedding to occur, but special permission from General Eisenhower paved the way, and they proceeded with their plans, thus making Marian a war bride.)
In September 1945, she came to the United States with other war brides, initially settling in Tampa, Fla. Following the war, Cecil re-enlisted in the US Army-Air Corps, and his ensuing career in the Air Force led them to England, Louisiana, Georgia, Florida and California. Following Cecil’s retirement from the Air Force, they settled in Sunnyvale, Calif., for a number of years, before coming to Whidbey Island in 1979. Marian and Cecil’s first home on Whidbey was at Cornet Bay. They also lived at Dewey Beach before moving to Oak Harbor. Marian enjoyed knitting, sewing, needlepoint, crocheting and gardening, and loved being with family.
Marian is survived by her husband Cecil, at home; two daughters, Linda Joans of Oak Harbor and Susan Champagne and husband Dennis of Chewelah; one grandson, Ryan Joans of Oak Harbor. She was preceded in death by a half-brother, Reginald Evans, by her mother in 1994 and her step-father in 1989.
A memorial service was held Dec. 17 at Burley Funeral Chapel, Pastor Laurie Johnson officiating. Inurnment will take place at a later date. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 6315 A&B Fleming, Everett, WA 98201, or to the American Cancer Society, 2120 1st Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98109. Arrangements under direction of Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor.
