Marion Lowe Holmquist's Obituary
Marion Lowe Holmquist passed away on Tuesday, October 2, 2018 in her home in Christwood RC, Covington, LA. She was born on March 9, 1930 in New Orleans and is predeceased by her parents Alphonsine Evelyn Thompson Lowe and Lee George Lowe, and her older sister Evelyn Thompson Lowe. Marion was also predeceased by her beloved husband of 25 years, Nelson Davis Holmquist, MD.
She was the loving mother of Clifford Scott Danos of GA, Leigh Danos Donaldson of CA, and Barbara Danos Cranner of LA; stepmother of Jeffrey George Holmquist, of CA and Gwendolyn Holmquist Bowen, of NC; 7 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren. She is survived by her younger sister, Shirlee Lowe Lindsay of VA.
As a divorced mother of 3 young children in the 1960’s, Marion rose from an entry-level lab assistant at LSU Medical School to become a recognized graduate-level educator and researcher. She contributed creatively and prodigiously to the literature of Clinical Cytology, publishing and presenting numerous scientific papers nationally and internationally. In 1978 Marion was named Cytotechnologist of the Year by the American Society of Cytology, and in 1979 she was a founding member and 1st President of The American Society for Cytotechnology.
Marion was a self-taught pianist and expert seamstress; she taught her children to swim albeit from the side of the pool. In her later years, she pursued her love for gardening at the New Orleans City Park Botanical Gardens and is an Emeritus Master Gardener. Marion had a life-long passion for classical music and even Nelson’s later-years of beginner’s cello practice. Together she and Nelson enjoyed transforming their undeveloped 18- acre property in Folsom “Idylewood,” to the beautiful delight of their family and grandchildren.
A private gathering of family and friends will be held to celebrate her long and fruitful life, with internment at a later date in her family tomb in the Lakelawn Metairie Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice – Marion would appreciate nothing more. Please sign the E.J. Fielding Funeral Home online Guest Book at www.ejfieldingfh.com.
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