Global Ministries is saddened to learn the news of the death of Marian McAnallen
Marian Janet Ericson McAnallen
September 3, 1933 – March 13, 2014
Global Ministries is saddened to learn of the death of former missionary to Thailand, Reverend Marian McAnallen.
Marian Ericson, born on September 3, 1933 in Chicago, IL, was the first child of the late Harry (Henry) William and Clara Merle Ericson, both deceased. She graduated from Calvin Park High School in 1951. She has three siblings: Darlene Ericson Schoenicke of Waukesha, WI.; William Ericson of Algoma, WI; and Ruth Gray of Fishcreek, WI.
Marian married F. Victor McAnallen in Indianapolis on June 26, 1954 where she was attending Butler University majoring in Religion. The McAnallens have five children: Merle F. McAnallen and wife Cherri of Grove City, PA; Vicki Galtieri of Hendersonville, NC; Michelle Brauer and husband David of La Pas, Manitoba Canada; Eric W. McAnallen of Houston, TX; and Mark G. McAnallen of Long Beach, CA. The McAnallens have eight grandchildren: Laura Durbin of Willoughby, OH and husband Chris; Nathan Galtieri of Asheville, NC; and wife Theresa; Naomi Harkey of Greensboro, NC and husband Jason; Niles Galtieri of Asheville, NC and wife, Christy; Natalie Pinto of Greensboro, NC and husband Samuel; Deborah, Joseph and Ruth Brauer of La Pas, Manitoba, Canada. There are seven great grandchildren: Cain Ford and Cadence Galtieri of Asheville, NC; Addison Galtieri of Asheville, McKayla Galtieri of Henderson; Taylor and Jacob Harkey of Greensboro, NC; and Kezia Pinto of Greensboro, NC.
After their marriage on June 26 of 1954 Marian and Victor moved from Indiana to Nashville, TN where they continued their studies in preparation to serve as missionaries at Peabody College for Teachers and at Scarrett College. Marian received her B.S. Degree in Elementary Education in June 1956 and M.E.D. in 1957. In 1962 she did further study at Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, IN.
On October 22, 1957, the McAnallen’s arrived in Bangkok, Thailand with their three month old son under the auspices of the United Christian Missionary Society, a predecessor mission body of Global Ministries. They were assigned to serve the Church of Christ in Thailand, spending over 35 years in that capacity. Marian taught Bible and English in Thai church schools and was active with women’s work in Nakhon Pathom, some 65 kilometers west of Bangkok. In 1968/69 the family moved to Bangkok where she taught in the Chinese Bible School as well as helping to develop the Lao Song handicrafts. In 1969/70 the family moved to Chiang Mai. While living in Chiang Mai June of 1970 until June of 1971 Marian taught in The Prince Royals College and in the School of Nursing. Reassigned to Bangkok in 1972 she was asked to manage the Lao Song Hill Tribe Handicraft Project through which villagers made their crafts which were then sold throughout the world. The proceeds supplemented the income of poor rice farmers. Marian was involved in design, procuring supplies, marketing, distribution and financial supervision of this million dollar enterprise until 1992 upon her retirement, when she moved with her family to Hendersonville, NC.
After arriving in Hendersonville Marian was very active with Trinity Presbyterian Church and its choir until her illness began in about 2005. Marian passed away at home Thursday morning March 13, 2014 a little after 4:00. She was a wonderful wife and mother to her five children and their offspring and she will be missed by all.
A memorial service was held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 22, 2014 at Trinity Presbyterian Church, Hendersonville NC. Per Marian’s request, those attending the service were asked to wear bright clothing rather than black. To offer condolences online please visit www.shulerfuneralhome.com or you may send condolences by mail to Reverend Victor McAnallen, 706 Browning Avenue, Hendersonville NC 28791-2007. The family asks that memorial gifts be directed online or by check to Global Ministries, P.O. Box 1986, Indianapolis IN 46206-1986.