Marolyn Stanley passed away peacefully at her home on the morning of January 30, 2025, at the age of 96. A fourth-generation Californian, she was born Marolyn Jane Hoffman to Ethel and Verne Hoffman of Lodi, California. Her family lived on a ranch east of Lodi in Acampo. Her mother, Ethel Jack Hoffman, was born on the Lodi property in 1898. Marolyn was raised there along the Mokelumne River with her two older brothers, Verne Jr. and Robert. Her father, Verne, was a farmer and also served in the California State Senate. The family grew peaches and cherries, as well as the Tokay grapes for which the Lodi region was well known. Every summer the family spent time at their summer cabin at Meeks Bay in Lake Tahoe.
Marolyn attended Bruella School, a small elementary schoolhouse about a mile from her home. She was a 4H girl and rode her horse Bessie to school (and the story goes that the horse would take herself home.) She attended Lodi High School where she excelled in her studies. In 1946 she enrolled at the University of California, Berkeley, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in the class of 1950. While at Cal, Marolyn joined the Alpha Delta Pi sorority, where she made dear lifelong friends. Cal football was at a high-water mark during those years, and she remained a devoted Cal fan throughout her life, always serving on her class of 1950 reunion planning committee. After graduating, she worked in interior design for Macy’s in San Francisco when she met the love of her life, Paul Stanley, a San Francisco native. The two of them met on a blind date and had such a wonderful time, they decided that first evening that they wanted to get married!
Marolyn and Paul wed in the beautiful chapel at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, not far from the Hoffman farm in Lodi. They lived in the Bay Area, where they raised four children, first in Sausalito for nearly two decades, and later at their home in Piedmont for over fifty years. The two of them celebrated 72 happy years of marriage in 2024. They enjoyed spending time at their Tahoe home, followed by many wonderful years at their property in Bozeman, Montana. Together, they loved traveling, playing tennis, skiing, and fishing — often gathering friends and family around these favorite pastimes.
Marolyn was a devoted mother and active community member. She was involved in charitable non- profit organizations, including The Little Jim Club of Children’s Hospital San Francisco and The Cancer League of Piedmont. She was also a member of the Hoe and Hope Garden Club. She and Paul were also longtime members of Claremont Country Club, and The California Tennis Club.
An artist at heart, Marolyn was renowned for her creativity and distinctive flair for color and design. This was always reflected in her homes, gardens, and style — and in the way she approached the world. She was an award-winning floral designer with a deep passion for flowers, often incorporating tropical blooms into her stunning arrangements. She was among the earliest exhibitors in The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco’s Bouquets to Art show, where she showcased her work for 16 consecutive years. Before that, she served on the museum’s flower committee. Her love for gardening and floral design was evident throughout her life, as she created unforgettable centerpieces and décor for charity events, as well as for family and friends, always exceeding expectations. In her seventies, Marolyn expanded her artistic pursuits to quilting. Her beautiful modern quilts, many featuring bright tropical and floral designs, were displayed at numerous quilt shows across the West.
Marolyn will always be cherished for her calm and steadfast presence, her quiet wisdom, and her sly, unexpected sense of humor. In her later years she enjoyed the frequent visits and time spent with all of her children and grandchildren. She will be forever missed and remembered for the colorful life she led and shared with others.
She is survived by her beloved husband, Paul; her four children, Bob (Joyce), Patricia, Douglas (Julia), Jane (Bert); and her loving grandchildren, John, Carolyn, Christine (Scott), Jessica, Charlotte, Robby, Jeff (Erin), Brian and cat Kali. The family will be forever grateful to her wonderful caregivers, Celia, Tally, Lani Angela and Angela.
Memorial services will be private. Donations may be made to The Cancer League of Oakland or the Piedmont Beautification Foundation.