Marilyn Sue Strange

Marilyn Sue Motley Strange was born on May 6, 1935 in Cushing, Oklahoma, to parents Claude and Laurita Motley. She spent most of her childhood with her mother and brother, Ray Motley, living in Los Angeles, California. Surrounded by actors, musicians, and artists, Marilyn’s lifelong love of the arts began. At the age of 15 she developed a crush on movie star Mario Lanza, a crush that has lasted a lifetime and cemented her interest in opera. As a teenager, Marilyn moved to Oklahoma City to live with her father. After graduating from high school, she attended the University of Oklahoma where she earned a B.A. in Elementary Education. While at O.U. she met Jimmy R. Strange. They married on June 14, 1959, and a few years later moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma. A born teacher, Marilyn became very involved with her children and their school as a volunteer, educational support, and chair of the Holland Hall Book and Art Fair. She also spent several years as the Director of Education for the Youth Program at All Souls Unitarian Church. The most incredible and devoted mother, Marilyn took over running the Tulsa Ice Rink for a couple of years in the mid 1970’s so that it would not close and her son could continue to play hockey. Marilyn became a member of the Tulsa Opera Guild, focusing her talents as head of Guild Education. In 1977 she was elected President of the Guild, a position she served until 1979. During this time she became very involved with artists’ hospitality, hosting singers visiting in Tulsa to perform. Continuing her own education, Marilyn decided to attend the University of Tulsa, where she received a master’s degree in Humanities in 1984. After earning her degree, she was hired by then Tulsa Junior College, Southeast Campus, as the first fulltime Humanities professor, where she designed an integrated Humanities program that is still in place today. In her 14 years there Marilyn taught everything from Art History and Music Appreciation, to Literature and Film. She even designed and taught the first course in Women’s Studies. After her retirement from TCC, Marilyn returned to the Tulsa Opera Guild as VP of Education. She continued her role as an educator, doing Docent training for Tulsa Opera and Philbrook Museum of Art. She also organized and led a study group on a tour of Italy, concentrating on Italian Renaissance art. Over the last few decades, Marilyn has continued to expand her support of Tulsa arts organizations with her position on the Tulsa Opera Board of Directors, the Tulsa Opera Guild, the Tulsa Symphony Board of Directors, as well as her membership in the Puccini Society (a group she founded) and the Vivaldi Society. Marilyn has also been a member of the Founders Society of the Tulsa Ballet, as well as supporter of the Oklahoma Girls Chorus. Outside of Tulsa, Marilyn was a member of the Metropolitan Opera Guild, the Women’s Board and Opera Guild of Dallas Opera, and the Ambassador’s Circle of Opera America. She has been showered with awards, from the Tulsa Opera Board of Directors, the Harmon Foundation, and recently received the prestigious Partners in Excellence Award from Opera Volunteers International. Marilyn passed away on Sunday, February 3, 2013. She is survived by her husband, Jimmy R. Strange, her children, Susan Strange and Sterling Strange, and her grandchildren, Stoffel Strange, Katie Norton, Hannah Strange, and Beck Strange. Life without her is unimaginable, but her presence will continue to be felt in the hearts of her family, friends, students, and every organization she ever touched with her love and enthusiasm. You are invited to celebrate the life of Marilyn Strange in the company of her family, many friends, and exquisite performing artists of the Tulsa Symphony, Dr. Donald Armstrong and the Oklahoma Girls Choir, Tulsa Opera, and special guests who will come together to commemorate Marilyn's joyous spirit and life—one that was filled with song, music, and dance. The Memorial will take place on Sunday, February 24, 2013, at 3:00 P.M. at the Holland Hall Chapel, 5666 E 81st Street, Tulsa. A reception will immediately follow in the Holliman Gallery. Private services were held February 8, 2013 at Fitzgerald’s Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers please send donations to one of Marilyn’s many beloved organizations: Tulsa Opera, Tulsa Symphony, Tulsa Ballet, and St. Joseph’s Monastery. FITZGERALD IVY CHAPEL 918-585-1151

Marilyn Sue Strange

May 6, 1935 - February 3, 2013