Marian E. Gittings

Marian E. Gittings, teacher, engineer, carpenter, and world traveler, of Sellersville, passed away at her residence, surrounded by loved ones, on Friday, July 16, 2021. She was 97.

She was the life partner and spouse of Rose M. Andreoli for 76 years.

Born in Schenectady, New York, she was the only child of the late William and Rachael (Ryder) Gittings. Raised on Philadelphia’s Main Line, Marian was a graduate of Havertown High School, where she would later teach mathematics for 15 years after earning her Bachelors degree from Drexel University.

At age 40, Marian began a second career as an electrical engineer upon the completion of a Masters degree at Villanova. She was employed by I-T-E Circuit Breaker Company, first in Philadelphia and later in Chalfont.

It is her identity as one of the “Carpenter Aunts” that has continued to endear her to extended family and friends alike. Since 1947, in partnership with Rose, the two purchased and cleared extensive acreage on an island in the Neshaminy Creek, in Sellersville, and at a Susquehanna County mountain retreat. They constructed three separate residences and a workshop, building everything from scratch from their own lumber, teaching themselves whatever skills were necessary, from furniture making to concrete laying to interior decorating, and to all other aspects of construction.

Although professionally they crafted only bean bag backboards and the occasional kitchen cupboard for sale, Marian and Rose continued to design and build furniture and décor items for family and friends for many years. Their “Carpenter Aunts” business card featured two ants, one with a saw; the other, a hammer, busily at work in a workshop.

In addition to the timetable and challenges their work entailed, Marian and Rose found time to pursue other interests, ranging from travel (a golf trip to Scotland, bicycle and Vespa motor scooter journeys throughout Europe, extended trips to China and Africa, camping all over the United States),to biking and hiking, to skiing (taken up when they were in their 50’s and despite Marian’s knee replacement surgeries) to volunteering (local playground construction assistance and work in Georgia with the Habitat for Humanity program).

Distinctly ahead of their time and an inspiration to all who knew them for their courage, determination, creativity, and sense of adventure, Marian and Rose were inseparable.

Marian Eva Gittings - A life well and uniquely lived.

In addition to Rose, Marian is survived by an extensive network of Rose’s many nieces and nephews, great- nieces and great-nephews (all of whom thought of her as Aunt Marian), and friends.

No services are currently scheduled.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Marian’s name may be made to a charity of one’s choice.