Marianne Elofson, age 79, died on May 16th at her home near Alexandria, MN. Marianne worked in several positions during her 18 years at Carleton, but primarily as the Administrative Assistant in the Psychology Department. She retired in 2007.
Members of the department remember how cheerful, hard-working, and kind she was, with a positive and generous attitude that led her to go out of her way to assist faculty and students. Even at work, the German quote from a plate in Marianne’s kitchen captured her essence: “Hab Sonne im Herzen,” or “Have the sun in your heart.”
She loved working at Carleton and meeting so many interesting people who quickly became her friends.
Memorial service details are pending. A more complete obituary can be found at The Peterson Chapel website.
Comments
I so enjoyed working with her during my first 11 years at Carleton. I miss the many meetings we shared and the many coffee times with her and Ruby in the Psychology lounge in Olin. The statement from her family said 'She was nurturing, generous, independent, curious, gregarious, and vibrant.' That she was! Marianne was larger than life and will be missed.
I worked with Marianne for almost two decades. She and Ruby Hagberg shared the position of Administrative Assistant to the Psychology Department (and later, to the Cognitive Science program as well). Marianne was outgoing and extraverted, and always interested in life outside of Carleton. She also shared lots of stories about her own children, especially after I started having children of my own. When my oldest son was born, she gave me Christmas tree ornaments to commemorate his first, second, third, fourth, and fifth Christmases. I smile each year as I unwrap those treasures.
No grass grew under Marianne's feet. In the few rare lulls of work we had, I'd find her scrubbing down countertops and door handles. "Goofing off", or even just relaxing a bit on the job just wasn't in her DNA!
I loved her accent, and loved to listen to her talk. She enjoyed telling me about her plans for trips and fully debriefing when she returned.
Marianne loved her family so much, and although I was sad to see her retire, I was happy that she and her husband Gary were moving up north to be closer to her daughter and grandchildren.
Marianne, you are missed!