For years Marian and I taught First Grade together at Crescent Harbor Elementary.  Her smiling face and energetic personality could be counted on any time.  Planning activities to enrich the holidays for our students were some of her favorite things.  I marveled at her energy, and enthusiasm even after a full day of teaching.  Post retirement we'd bump into each other and catch up.  It felt like we'd just seen each other the day before across the hall at school.  I was a better teacher for her influence and friendship.  Many of us, her friends and colleagues, will miss her.  It is a blessing to know people who make the world a better place.  Marian Bartleson was such a woman.