BIOGRAPHY

Marlowe was born in Logan, Utah, USA, on 22 May 1907, to parents Mark and Dorothy Watkins. She had an older sister Norma and a younger brother who passed away at birth. She attended the Agricultural College of Utah (now Utah State University), where she became a member of the Sorosis sorority and earned a bachelor’s degree in Education and Home Economics. After teaching home economics and English for two years in Franklin, Idaho, she went on to teach junior high school in Midvale during the Great Depression.

In the summer of 1931, she journeyed to Seattle to attend the University of Washington and visit her sister, Norma. During the first week there, she encountered a young dentist named Clifford D. Marlowe at a dance. The two got married on September 21, 1933. They established their home and raised their family in the Laurelhurst area of Seattle. The couple had three children: Portia (married Bean), June (married Christopherson), and Richard Marlowe. In Seattle, her husband worked as a dentist while she cared for their children at home. During World War II, she served as a block captain. In this capacity, she was tasked with nightly patrols on her street, ensuring that no lights were visible and all windows were properly blacked out to conceal Seattle from potential enemies during the war. Her husband passed away of a heart attack in 1974.

Marlowe was an active member of the Harriet Stimson Guild for the Children’s Orthopedic Hospital and a participant in the Women’s University Club. She was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Her interests included a passion for reading, and engaging in bridge games. Following the passing of both of their husbands, she and her sister Norma traveled the world together, visiting countries such as China, Germany, Russia, and Greece. Her sister passed away at the age of 95. Around 2016, she moved to Maple Springs Retirement Home in Logan.

Marlowe passed away in Logan, Utah, USA, on 10 March 2018, at the age of 110 years. She was survived by her three children, 10 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.

RECOGNITION

In May 2017, she celebrated her 110th birthday, becoming the third supercentenarian on record to live in the State of Utah, after Cleo Hinckley (1890–2002) and Pearl Blain (1895–2006).

Her age was verified by Fabrizio Villatoro, and validated by LongeviQuest on 2 December 2023.

ATTRIBUTION

* “Utah’s oldest resident celebrates 110th birthday” – Deseret News, 26 May 2017

* “Dorothy Watkins Marlowe” – Dignity Memorial

GALLERY

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