Marianne Fannin, 78, beloved wife of Tom and daughter-in-law of former Arizona Governor and United States Senator Paul Fannin, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Saturday, March 5, 2011, in Phoenix. Marianne was born in Providence, Kentucky on May 28, 1933, to Oliver Kerney and Gwendolyn (Kemp) Benjamin. By 1937, her family had transplanted to Phoenix, living two doors away from the boy who would one day be her husband. Tom and Marianne both attended Kenilworth Elementary; he was a junior at North High when she entered the freshman class. But it wasn't until she enrolled at Stephens College and the break between her freshman and sophomore year coincided with Tom's discharge from the Air Force that the two began a relationship that would eventually lead to their marriage on August 28, 1953, at St. Francis Xavier Church. Their union led to the birth of daughters Mary Todd and Tamara, and a lifetime partnership of public service to the city and state they loved. Outgoing and energized, Marianne's colorful and vibrant, extrovert personality was a magnet, developing friendships as diverse as her interests. She was passionate about every project and endeavor she embraced. She was one of the "Goldwater Girls" when Barry ran for president in 1964, chaired the St. Joseph's Hospital Auxiliary in 1969, served as chairman of the 1974 Heart Ball, co-chaired the Citizens Transportation Committee in 1979, was one of the founders of the Republic National Bank of Arizona and served as the first board chair in 1985 through 1993, served on the board of the Phoenix Industrial Development Authority in 1982-89, chaired the Maricopa Community College Foundation in 1985. She was a driving force in launching the Foundation's first major campaign to raise funds for student scholarships, hitting a record-breaking $6.25 million. She became a student herself again in the late '80s when she completed a degree in chemical dependency treatment at Rio Salado Community College and used that experience to become a full-time counselor at The Salvation Army Recovery Center. Marianne is survived by Tom, her devoted husband of 57 years; daughters Tammy Fannin and Mary Todd ("Toddy") Fannin; grandchildren Aubrey (Jordan) Reisenweber, Paige and Alec Knappenberger, Wendy (Chris) Sellers, Tommy and Todd Ward; beloved poodles Luv and Hug; and her extended Fannin family. A memorial service to celebrate Marianne's life will be held Thursday, March 10, 10amat All Saint's Episcopal Church, 6300 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, with a reception to follow at Phoenix Country Club. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to The Salvation Army, 2707 East Van Buren, Phoenix 85008.

Published by The Arizona Republic from Mar. 8 to Mar. 10, 2011.