Marie L. Harden

Marie L. Harden peacefully passed away December 31, 2017 with family by her side and grandchildren on the phone. She was 80 years old. Born January 27, 1937 in St. Paul Minnesota, seeking a warmer climate near the ocean, Santa Barbara became Marie and her husband’s resting ground; they raised their three children, Tom Harden Jr. (Jennifer), Tresa Richards (Harden) and Scott Harden. She has four grandchildren, Tom, Sam, Alex and Ivy.

Marie studied at Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica in Atchison, Kansas later taking courses in ecology, music and real estate at Santa Barbara City College; she became a co-founder of Goleta Beautiful continuing to touch our communities with colorful blooming plants and trees along the 101 from Santa Barbara to Goleta and olive trees that dot our sidewalks; vibrant plantings still fill mediums along Hollister Avenue. A brilliant pianist she enjoyed performing for churches and charitable events throughout the county.

After raising her children Marie assisted and housed many ESL students helping them secure citizenship in the United States. Later in life she enjoyed a career as a “Million Dollar Club” real estate broker with Sunset Realtors helping many families find their dream homes. As a retiree spending time on her computer became her favorite pastime; she enjoyed challenging people from around the world in backgammon, entering writing contests on Edhat and connecting with family and friends, sending funny jokes and touching stories. Her primary companions became her four small dogs, Snowball, Perlita, Petut and Chacho, who she loved and adored; they gave her love and comfort and were her life. We will miss her sense of humor, quick wit, young spirit and fun conversations! Marie was predeceased by her baby Joey Harden.

A private family service will be held to celebrate her life.