Mariea Guthrie died on Sunday, April 16th, at her care facility in St Paul, at the age of 86. Mariea did interior design work at Carleton for over 40 years, including at least eight years after her official retirement in 1998. She had a gift for finding ways to retain the ethos of the College and its particular buildings. Mariea’s elegant and practical solutions to design problems grace almost every historical building on campus. Former colleagues attest to how much fun it was to work with Mariea. She was creative, lively, bubbling with ideas, and tireless in her devotion to enhancing the beauty of Carleton.
A more complete obituary is available on the Bierman Funeral Home website.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 20 at 10:30am at the Carleton Chapel, with a reception following in Great Hall. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Prairie’s Edge Humane Society at 680 Professional Drive, Northfield, MN 55057.
Please keep all of Mariea’s family and friends in your thoughts and prayers.
Comments
What a wonderful lady! She had class and charm and tons of warmth; I'll never forget you Mariea.
Mariea was always so gifted and spontaneous! I met her for the first time in the mid-1960's and thought her artistic flair was so enchanting, along with her big smile! She was kind, a great mother, and was available to so many friends and family, both on and off campus. She brought style to every event! Rest in peace, dear Mariea.
Mariea had that decorator’s “eye” that improved the look of so many places at Carleton. I had the pleasure of working with her for many years as a Department Chair and then Dean for Budget and Planning. As someone who had a good “ear” but not that eye, I really appreciated what she could do.
When we decided to give the library a "homier" look by introducing table lamps and comfortable couches, Mariea was there guiding us each step of the way. We had so much fun in the process. I remember one memorable shopping expedition when we had all collapsed into a comfortable couch at Room and Board. Mariea flipped over the tag, and shared the name of this sectional with us - it was called "Carleton." Of course we had to buy this for the library! Looking around the library, her touches are everywhere - the Athenaeum, the library couches, library table lamps, and the furniture arrangment. I'm grateful for the opportunity I had to work with her!
Mariea was a dear friend. Her gentle spirit and sweet sense of whimsy were gifts that she shared with everyone lucky enough to know her. Her love for animals was so much a part of who she was – I remember her furry family of Grace, Babe, Shadow, Chewy, and Miss Abby the Tabby. I hope she’s with them now.
What Jennifer said! Mariea was a great help in making the library even more student friendly, and in repurposing in the Gould Library some of the scattered historic furnishing from Scoville Library. She knew the campus spaces so well and tended to them with care and creativity.