Marie L. Cline
Marie L. Cline passed away peacefully on October 1, 2024 at the age of 89, in Santa Barbara, California.
Born in Yelm, Washington, on March 30, 1935, Marie was the second youngest of five children born to Oscar and Suoma Kosola. Oscar was the son of Finnish immigrants and Suoma immigrated from Finland as a teenager. Growing up on a family farm, Marie learned the values of hard work, kindness, and community from an early age. She was the last surviving member of her siblings, Marge, Bob, Dick, and Jerry.
Marie graduated with a degree in nursing from Washington State University, and it’s there she met her lifelong partner, Richard “Dick” Cline. They married in Yelm in 1957, and then moved to Camarillo, California, where they started raising their three children: David, Janice and Cindy. In 1963, they settled in Goleta, where they built a life full of love, community and cherished memories.
Marie’s home was the heart of the neighborhood, always open and welcoming to friends and families. She became actively involved in the Bella Vista Homeowners Association, fostering a close-knit community with events like the annual 4th of July Parade, where the Cline family made homemade ice cream and helped organize neighborhood activities. Her warm spirit extended beyond her own family—she was always the first to welcome new neighbors, and it was one of these introductions that would eventually lead to her son David’s marriage to neighborhood friend, Holly.
She was also involved with the AFS exchange program, hosting students from around the world: France, Australia, Japan, Alaska, New Jersey, and from Iran, Mitra Kholousi, who, along with her kids, became cherished family members.
Marie loved animals and cared for a menagerie of pets, including everything from rodents to birds and fish, and many beloved cats and dogs. She was an early supporter of the Santa Barbara Zoo, helping fund the train and always held an annual pass.
Throughout her life, Marie’s many roles reflected her passion for helping others. As a nurse, she provided compassionate care in various medical settings. As a leader with the Camp Fire Girls, she taught young girls valuable life skills, instilled a love of nature, and encouraged environmental stewardship long before it became mainstream. Marie and Dick also shared their love of the outdoors with their family, organizing unforgettable backpacking trips through the Sierras.
Marie later became a realtor, using her empathy and understanding to help families find homes. In 1983, the couple moved to their dream home in Santa Barbara, a little farmhouse with a set of geese, chickens, ducks, and a fabulous orchard. Marie’s open-door policy never wavered, as she shared the fruits of their small farm with friends and family alike. She delighted in hosting an annual family reunion trip, creating lifelong memories for her loved ones over the course of two decades.
After retiring, Marie and Dick continued their lifelong love of adventure. They explored some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes, hiking to the summit of Mt. Whitney and into the Grand Canyon—twice! They traveled the globe, visiting Machu Picchu, Australia, England, Turkey, and more, always embracing the excitement of new experiences and making lifelong friends. Marie’s philosophy of kindness, generosity, and “passing it on” touched everyone who knew her.
Marie is survived by her husband, Richard Cline; her children, David Cline (Holly), Janice Cline (Wade Cottrell), and Cindy Stoutenborough (Jeff); and her five grandchildren: Mitra Cline, Christopher Cline, Tyler Saadus, Katrina Saadus, and Layla Stoutenborough. Marie’s extended family also includes Mitra Kholousi (Victor Matloff) and her three children: Shomace, Hessam, and Shiva, along with two great-grandchildren, Aram and Taraneh.
A memorial service celebrating Marie’s life will be held in early 2025. Donations in memory of Marie can be made to the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County, Guide Dogs for the Blind, or your favorite charity. Please email MarieClineMemorial@gmail.com with any questions.