by Ken & John Osborn

About 9 PM last night [Monday 11/17/08] Marn Osborn passed away from the effects of a sudden stroke. Her brother, Russ Osborn and 5 of her beloved nephews and nieces were around her as she breathed her last in the ER room. She died with family around her loving her and praying for her.

The day before, she had had a really nice family day, attending her great-niece Katie Osborn's lead performance in the comedy "Moon Over Buffalo". Every time my brother and I looked at her during Katie's play, Marn was smiling and enjoying it all so much. After the play, she was around family laughing and sharing at Tim Horton's. That night she called another niece and said what a wonderful time she had had.  

Marn is a Lifetime Trustee and Past Secretary of CEF, and a member of the CPSI Hall of Fame where her website bio states:

Marion (Marn) Osborn
Marion Osborn, daughter of Alex Osborn, served on the CEF Board of Trustees for more than 20 years and was named a Life-Time member. She held the position of Secretary. Marn has been a major advocate and supporter of CEF over many years. She attended CPSI regularly. Marn holds an honorary discharge from the United States Navy, having served in the WAVES. She also had a career as a travel agent and has traveled broadly. Marion has served on boards of Visiting Nurses, Westminster Presbyterian Church in Buffalo, and Halloway Memorial Chapel in Canada.

Marn was a woman who cared so much for her family and friends, her beloved CPSI and for the Creative Education movement since her early years watching her father and Sid Parnes put together the first CPSIs.  She was a fixture at CPSI for so many of its first 50 in her hometown Buffalo.  She never craved the spotlight, rather asking to take on any job, however basic, that would help CEF and CPSI connect with new and longtime attendees and expand the base of CEF and CPSI supporters.  The board members who worked with her for so many years all appreciate her positive attitude and can do spirit, and her nonstop dedication to the work of CEF.  

Marn, thank you so much for your generosity, your support and your great spirit. We will miss you dearly. We love you!

The Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, November 25th at 4PM at Westminster Presbyterian Church,

724 Delaware Ave.,

Buffalo, NY 14209.

The family would like to include CEF as a place to send donations in lieu of flowers - those who wish to honor Marn can send such donations to CEF in her name:

Creative Education Foundation

48 North Pleasant St, Ste 301

Amherst, MA 01002
Phone #: 508-960-0000