Marcia Jane Aronow

Marcia Aronow died on April 13 with family at her side at home in Whitefish. Marcia was born Aug. 25, 1939, in Shelby, to Cedor B. and Jane G. Aronow.

She graduated from the University of Montana in 1961 with a bachelor’s degree and earned a teaching certificate. Marcia was married to Eugene D. Buffandeau of Honolulu, Hawaii, in August 1961.

Early in her career, Marcia taught French and Spanish at St. Andrew’s School for Girls in Honolulu. In 1969, she became the principal of Twin Pines Day School in Berkeley, Calif., where she lived with her daughter Shawn. In 1976, seeking a new adventure, Marcia and her sister Natasha moved to Petaluma, Calif., with their children Shawn, Dana and Jimmy, where they opened and operated three successful women’s apparel shops in the area for many years. In 1991, Marcia began overseeing the family business in Montana.

Marcia greatly loved and was proud of her family. She deeply loved David, her partner of 25 years, and together they enjoyed searching out new restaurants and places of interest, vacationing in tropical places, and gardening.

Marcia adored her daughter Shawn, who at an early age she taught to swim in the Pacific Ocean and ski on Big Mountain. Marcia took great interest in the goings on of all the children, and was always there to listen, provide guidance and encouragement.

She had a great love for her friends, grand dog Theodore, Whitefish Lake, Glacier Park, the splendor of Montana — the last best place — music, performing arts, the film “Auntie Mame,” was an avid reader and great cook. She was an adored mother, sister and aunt.

Marcia was preceded in death by her parents, and sister, Natasha Bartschi.

She is survived by her daughter, Shawn J. Aronow of Seattle; partner, David Lobdell of Petaluma, Calif.; Kari Lobdell, of Petaluma, Calif.; nieces, Dana J. Fehler, (Steve) of Petaluma, Calif., Natalie Aronow of Chicago, Kathleen Rushing, (Tom) of Minneapolis, Mary Ellen Aronow, (Joe) of Boston; nephews, James A. Bartschi (Stephanie) of Ridgway, Colo., Michael Aronow (Cori) of Milwaukee, Wisc.; brother, Dr. Cedor B. Aronow of Milwaukee; aunt, Dr. Regine A. Hoag of Kalispell and family; cousin, Wm. Frederick Aronow of Spokane and family; and eight grand nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held at July 11 at 2 p.m. at Grouse Mountain Lodge, Pavilion, 2 Fairway Drive, Whitefish.