Coming into her own
Life more interesting as the years pass by

By Laine Waggoner
Correspondent

Marianne Lanham visiting her family in Tucson, Arizona.

A thirst for life is evident in everything Marianne Lanham tackles. "I'm coming into my own now. Life is more interesting the older I get, " the widow of musician Roy Lanham said.

She was born Marianne LeGlise in Irvington, NJ., into a musical family. Her father was a concert violinist, and her mother was an opera singer. Lanham began her own musical career early. "Between the ages 8 and 16 1 had a singing act with my sister," she recalled. "Then, for 12 years, I sang as Marianne Lee with big bands all over the East - from the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York to clubs and hotels in New Jersey, Washington, D.C. and Florida. I had a wonderful career."

She had her own radio show for two years in Atlanta. "That's where I met Roy," she recalled with a smile. "It seems everything meshes together: I discovered Roy had lived across the street from me in New Jersey. We were married in 1946."

During their eventful 45-year marriage, the Lanhams had five children. Roy joined Roy Rogers' Sons of the Pioneers, and from 1948 to 1978 he toured and made recordings with the group. "The Pioneers were all like brothers to me," she said.

Although she continued to perform after their marriage, Lanham's chief role was as mother and supportive wife. "I was living through my husband," she said.

After visiting their accountant in Camarillo Springs Country Club Village in 1978, the Lanhams decided to buy a mobile home overlooking the golf course lake.

"My whole life changed when we moved here to the park," she said. "I really enjoy the people here, because they know how to have a good time, and I like to live. At the drop of a hat they'll have a party. There's no need to make life dull." Lanham lost two sons when they were young. "You never get over it," she said quietly.

Then, 1991 became a crisis year in which her husband, mother and sister all died after lengthy illnesses. "Dale Evans was a wonderful, sincere and helpful friend," she said. "She had her son drive her down to my husband's funeral from Victorville."

Lanham also received emotional support from her children and grandchildren, friends and from Camarillo Hospice. "Since Roy died I've been involved in some of the hospice fund-raisers."

Another source of support is the friends Lanham has at Camarillo Church of Religious Science, where she sings in the choir.

"Because my voice has dropped so low, they have me singing bass with the men," she noted wryly. "We have such fun together, and I have great respect for the choir director, Bernadette Lazo, who really knows what she's doing. I have been helped tremendously by what I have learned from Rev. (William) Curtis and my association with other widows.

"I learned that we're all in this together and that I was not singled out for tragedy. I've become rather contented, and I usually look on the bright side of things."

Lanham took painting lessons about four years ago. "My music and my painting are my life." She also enjoys traveling. She visits a daughter in Tucson several times a year and just returned from a Caribbean cruise.

If you know residents of Camarillo/Somi's, age 60 or above, who should be featured in Senior Profile, please mail their names and phone numbers to Laine Waggoner, 838 Piropo Coutt, Camarillo, 93010-1039.