Marlowe Graves Merkel September 23, 1933 - June 27, 2013

Marlowe Graves Merkel passed away at her home of 38 years in La Cañada at the age of 79 on June 27, 2013. She had been ill for several weeks.

Marlowe was born to Harold and Gertrude Graves in 1933 and raised in Lafayette, Indiana, the baby of eight children. She graduated from Purdue University in 1955. During her college years, Marlowe stared as “Elizabeth” in the college stage play, “Elizabeth the Queen.” Always an anglophile, Marlowe spent many summers studying in Cambridge, England.

Marlowe was a volunteer in the library at Verdugo Hills Hospital for many years, worked with the Save our Schools Foundation in La Cañada Flintridge, and was a supporter of Descanso Gardens, Tournament of Roses and the Pasadena Humane Society. She was active at Oakmont Country Club and served as Ladies President.

Marlowe was married to Al Merkel, former CEO of Times Mirror Press who predeceased her in 2009. She is survived by her sister, Margel, daughter Jennifer, son Todd and his family, Kim, Kirsten, Arianne, Conrad and Austen, and daughter Carolyn and her husband Duane. In addition, she leaves behind many friends and her beloved Miniature Schnauzers, Hummer dog with an attitude, Pepperanne and Ebonyinkspot.

Private memorials will be held for family, friends and neighbors at a later date. Recognizing Marlowe’s passion for animals, especially dogs, the Merkel family asks that contributions in her memory be made to the Pasadena Humane Society.