| Graduation Year | Class of 1960 |
| Date of Passing | Jul 06, 2013 |
| About | Marilyn Gettman Ghandour passed peacefully away at Elizabeth House with her two daughters at her side. Born in Marion, Ohio, Marilyn moved with her family to Western North Carolina in 1952, where she lived most of her life. She graduated from Hendersonville High School in 1960. As a young woman, she attended the University of Hawaii, where she met and later married Ali Ghandour. The couple lived in Alaska, Los Angeles and San Francisco, where daughters Leila and Alia were born. Marilyn returned to Western North Carolina in 1965 to raise her family and embark upon her career. Upon her return to Hendersonville, she became secretary for state Sen. Harry Buchanan and worked arduously for the Cherokee Historical Association as well as doing state senatorial work. Using her innate talent and abilities, Marilyn learned to put law and secretarial responsibilities together and soon became a very much sought after paralegal secretary in Hendersonville. She worked for many years in law offices across from the courthouse, where she earned both respect and gratitude for her competence and reliability. Marilyn loved every aspect of nature, especially being surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains. Deeply spiritual and an ardent animal lover from the start, she cared for scores of cats as a child growing up at Skybrook Farms, reading them Bible stories on Sunday as they lapped up farm fresh milk. She also enjoyed having horses and once rode the family's large chestnut horse, Baron, from the farm over the mountain to town in order to keep her dental appointment. From her sunrise to her sunset, Marilyn was known for her resilience and self-reliance, and encouraging it in others though a purpose-led life of example. Above all, she was non-judgmental and forgiving. She will be remembered through the strength of her daughters and her love of the natural beauty that surrounded and encompassed her. She is preceded in death by her parents, Kay and Dr. Robert L. Gettman. And she is survived by daughters, Leila Ghandour-Oder and Alia Ghandour; grandson. Joseph Oder; sister, Elaine Bourdeaux; brothers, Robert and Lowell Gettman; sons-in-law, David Oder and Derrell Durrett; and her beloved dog Duke. In lieu of flowers, Marilyn would be honored by a donation to the charity of your choice. An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors and Cremation Memorial Center is in charge of arrangements. |
