Marian Westly Moynihan

1927 - 2016

Marian Westly Moynihan 9/18/1927-1/16/2016 On January 16th, 2016 our Island Wahine left us for the warm embrace of her next adventure. She passed peacefully surrounded by the love of her family. Marian Westly was born September 18th 1927 in the plantation town of Pahala on the big island of Hawaii. She was imbued with a love of family, flowers, the ocean, and her beloved Hawaii. In 1929 the Westly family moved to Oahu where they remained through the 1950's. Marian attended Stephens College in Missouri and Syracuse University in New York. She then embarked on an adventurous career in the US Foreign Service. She was able to travel much of the world, Europe, Egypt and Japan were her stations. Marian found her second home when she relocated to the Bay Area after her tour ended. Marian was married to Kenneth Robert Moynihan in 1956. They soon moved to San Rafael where Marian's home and lush gardens were a source of joy as was the family ranch in Pope Valley. She adored the rustic lifestyle and horses as much as the open sea, rolling hills and tennis courts of Marin. She was a dedicated Red Cross water safety instructor and ardent supporter of the Girl Scouts for many years. Widowed in 1996, Marian chose to move to Villa Marin in 2000 where she continued to enjoy travel, education, and entertaining both friends and family. She felt blessed to be immersed in a wonderful and truly supportive community. Marian was an active member of The PEO, AAUW, The Marin Thetas, and the First Presbyterian Church of San Rafael. She was committed to improving education and an advocate of equality for young women in all walks of life. We would like to thank the Villa Marin staff and caregivers. Marian had the invigorating life that she desired during her years there and comfort at the end. Marian was predeceased by her father, Rolf Johan Westly, mother, Ella Teal Westly, brother Rolf Teal Westly and husband, Kenneth Robert Moynihan. She is survived by her sons, Kenneth Westly (Bayley) Moynihan and Bryant Robert Moynihan, daughter, Nancy Teal (Matt) Desmond and her grandchildren Eva, Pierre, Dylan and Ryan Moynihan; Sean and Dan Desmond. As Marian was a stroke survivor for over 18 years we would like to thank her teachers and staff at College of Marin as well as the Marin Brain Injury Network. A Celebration of her Life and Reception will be held at: Villa Marin 100 Thorndale Drive San Rafael CA. 94903 beginning at 2:00pm on February 20th 2016. Aloha attire encouraged - Mahalo. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Marin Brain Injury Network or the AAUW aauw.org.