Mardi was born January 7, 1925 in Des Moines, Iowa. She was the youngest of four children born to James Clark Rockwell and Lenore Minnis Rockwell. After graduating from Roosevelt High School in Des Moines, she studied voice with a professor at Drake University as well as attending business school. She became the secretary to the Des Moines City Auditor.
Singing was her true love. She was hired for a one hour show on KSO radio Tea Time Serenade in Des Moines. Mardi auditioned for the position with a vice president of MCA. Her audition tape was shown to band leader Marvin Fredric who hired her as his vocalist. She joined his band in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The band traveled for a year or so before returning to play the Biltmore Hotel in Atlanta.
She married Marvin Fredric Druckenbrod and they settled in Atlanta and left the music business.
Mardi was very involved in Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church serving as president of the Altar Guild and assisting weddings in the little chapel.
Mardi was preceded in death by her parents, husband of 52 years Marvin Fredric Druckenbrod, and brothers Albert Minnis Rockwell and James Clark Rockwell. She is survived by her daughter Lenore Druckenbrod Berman and her husband Arthur Gordon Berman of Marietta, Ga., granddaughters Margaret (Mardi) Berman Barker of Macon, Ga. and Roseleigh Reisman Berman of Marietta, Ga. , three great grandchildren Josh Barker, Jake Barker and Zoe Barker all of Macon, Ga. , and her sister Caroline Rockwell Nelson of Des Moines, Iowa.
A private graveside service will be held at the Westview Cemetery for immediate family.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Good Mews Animal Shelter and Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church.
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