Mara Geier Littell

MARA GEIER LITTELL
1933-2012
Mara Geier Littell passed away on November 28, 2012 at her home in Cathedral City, CA. She was born February 21, 1933, in Mishawaka, Indiana. She was predeceased by her parents, Otto Geier and Martha Garoutte of Mishawaka. Mara graduated from Mishawaka High School in 1950, where she excelled in theater and music. She performed the lead in a number of productions for which she was honored. In 1954, she was awarded a Bachelor of Science in Education degree from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, where she was a member of Chi Omega Sorority. Following graduation, she began a long and successful career as an elementary school teacher. Her first teaching assignment was on the Hawaiian Islands, prior to statehood. She taught in a small village on the large island of Hawaii. She later returned to the University of Miami, where she received the Master of Education Degree with honors in 1962. In 1963, she continued her teaching career in the elementary schools of the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA. In the classroom, she always introduced music to her pupils, and they looked forward to participating during the holidays. As a member of the California Teachers Association, she served on the negotiation team, representing the teachers in bargaining for increased benefits commensurate with their professional degrees. Mara retired from teaching in 1993 and moved to Cathedral City, CA, where she joined and was active in the local chapter of The California Retired Teachers Association. She was an avid follower of the LA Lakers and a football fan, growing up next door to Notre Dame. After marrying her husband, Phil, her allegiance changed to USC, as he was an alumnus. They held season tickets to the football games for many years. She loved the adventure of travel that included Europe, remote areas of Southeast Asia, and two safaris in South Africa. She shared this adventure with her husband, Phil. She is survived by her husband, Dr. Phil Littell of Palm Desert, CA; daughter, Lianne A. Gayler, Esq.; two grandchildren, Caitlyn and Zachary Gayler, and son-in law, Darren Gayler of Indio, CA. Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 8, 2012, at 10:30 a.m. in the Calvary Landmark Missionary Baptist Church, 85120 Bagdad Street, Coachella, CA 92236. Funeral arrangements are with Forest Lawn, Cathedral City, CA. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the "Make A Wish Foundation" in her memory.