Marian Helen McMahan Fox

Marian Fox was born in Mankato, Minn., moved to Oregon in 1926. She was once the youngest member of the Portland Youth Philharmonic. During World War II she worked on Liberty ships as a “Rosie the Riveter.” She earned a music degree at Marylhurst, then played viola for 38 years in the Oregon Symphony, retiring at age 72. After retiring from the Oregon Symphony, she joined the Vancouver Symphony where she remained into her 80s. She was a passionate supporter of the Musician’s Union Local 99. A woman of courage, determination, and indomitable spirit, she overcame mental illness with the self-help group Recovery International, becoming an area leader. She served as the only formerly mentally ill patient on the Oregon State Board of Mental Health. A Catholic convert, she joined the lay Discalced Carmelite Order, and lived a life of loving service to humanity. In 1955, Marian married Valerian Fox, organist at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Portland where they raised 7 children. An adventurer, she backpacked and climbed in the Cascades. She played annual chamber music at Longbow Campground with her outdoorsy musician friends by lantern and candlelight, instilling a love of the outdoors and music to her family. Marian is survived by her brother Rex McMahan, son Stephen Fox (wife Deborah, children Gary, Pamela, Cynthia), daughter Maura Fox (children Jamal, Maryam, Layli), son Kevin P. Fox (wife Lynne, children Tanner, Taylor), son Arthur Fox, daughter Angela Ansari (husband Soheyl, children Roya, David), and daughter Tama Fox. She was predeceased by her son Leo Fox in 1986. Funeral services will be held at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Portland Friday September 9 at 12pm. In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to the Oregon Symphony (http://www.orsymphony.org/getinvolved/donate.aspx), Recovery International (https://www.recoveryinternational.org/support), or the Discalced Carmelites.