Marianne Lieselotte Gravenstein

 Marianne Lieselotte Gravenstein

Marianne was born in Bremen, Germany on May 3rd, 1938 as an only child. Marianne had a challenging and difficult childhood, which courageously had to promote qualities that she was so known for. At a very young age, Marianne possessed amazing attributes of having an eye for decorating and had magic in her hands in anything that she touched, to create beauty in whatever facet was needed. Marianne also had a strong work ethic and when she reached her late teens, was very eager to seek and secure employment at her young age. She was selected to decorate all of the windows in many of Germany’s finest delicatessen‘s, to promote revenue for each business,(which back in the day during the War in Germany, was quite a prestigious job to behold). While working, she met a very young, handsome, blonde, blue-eyed young man, full of charm and extreme intelligence, as he was one of the meat cutters for the businesses that she was to decorate their windows for.

Marianne and Herbert fell in love quickly, and Herbert persuaded Marianne to move to Canada with him, where they became engaged. One year later, Marianne and Herbert married in the United States on November 2nd, 1959 in Los Angeles, CA. Four years after they were married, their first child, a daughter, who they named Carol (Cara) was born. Both of them unitedly worked extremely hard learning the English language to enhance their lives financially, and when their efforts were paying off, they were now ready to add another child to the Gravenstein family, a Son, Michael (Mike), born 71/2 years after Carol in 1970. 

Marianne is survived by both of her two children to date, who have a very close bond. Marianne is also survived and remembered by her Son-in-Law John and her Daughter-in-Law Jennifer. She is also survived by her four Grandchildren - Ryan, Devan, Marlayna and Vance. Our Mom was also blessed to have four Great-Grandchildren, Desmond, Rowan, Emmy and her newest Great-Grandchild, Grayson just born January 5th, 2025.

Marianne was a very passionate woman in whatever she involved herself in. She was a master decorator, highly organized, had a fierce personality and was a stunning physical beauty throughout her life. She was a very strong, bold, and courageous woman who could command instant attention, no matter where she was. She dedicated most of her work career to serving others which gave her great joy, working in the restaurant industry for well over 40 years, and over 25 of those years worked at the iconic Tallyrand Restaurant in Burbank, CA, where many Burbank Studio personnel would frequent, and most specifically to visit with Marianne. What most do not know about our Mom, is that her poise and her stunning beauty earned and landed her a job as a Playboy Bunny Waitress at the prestigious Playboy Club in Century City, CA. Many who met Marianne fell in love with her sassy and fun-loving nature.

After her husband Herbert, (Herbie) passed in August 2019, she was missing him deeply and just wanted to be with him once again. While she will be dearly missed as a Mom, an Oma and an Omi, she is now at peace, out of emotional and physical pain, and now comforted within the arms of her beloved husband, Herbert. They are both side by side once again, as they continue their eternal rest journey - TOGETHER!

Marianne, our Mom, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother, was definitely one-of-a-kind and will NEVER be forgotten. The utter sadness we all feel in our hearts in the moment, will soften as each day passes without her, but what will remain are the individual memories each and every family member, friend, neighbor, colleague and acquaintance have, of this beloved and unique woman. 

We love you!
The Gravenstein/Lockwood Family