Marion Josephine Reed (Roos) Mowbray (1898–1977)Marion Reed Roos

Marion Josephine Reed Roos was born on 22 December 1898 in Buffalo, Erie County, New York. She passed away on 3 September 1977 in Weymouth, Norfolk County, Massachusetts, at the age of 78.

She was the youngest child of Edward H. Roos (1856–1933), a building contractor, and Christiana Roos (1860–?). Her birth came as something of a surprise—14 years after her four older siblings (two boys and two girls), all of whom were born between 1880 and 1884.

Early Life in Buffalo

In 1900, two-year-old Marion was living with her parents and four older siblings at 364 Elm Street in Buffalo. By the 1910 census, the family had moved to 636 Linwood Avenue, and only her youngest sibling, Lenora, remained at home with Marion and their parents. In 1917, they were recorded at 584 Linwood Avenue, where her father continued to be listed as a building contractor.

Academic Pursuits at Alfred University

In 1918, Marion began her studies at Alfred University, located in Allegany County, New York, approximately 90 miles southeast of her hometown. She studied science and quickly became active on campus. By 1920, although the U.S. Census still showed her living at home in Buffalo and working as a grammar school teacher, she was also:

• Junior Class President

• Editor-in-Chief of the Alfred University yearbook, Fiat Lux

The census was enumerated on 1 January 1920, so it’s likely she was home for the holidays at the time. Marion graduated from Alfred University in 1921.

Marriage and Family Life

In 1924, Marion married Elmer Stephens Mapes (1898–1974), whom she likely met during their time at Alfred University—both were involved with Fiat Lux. Elmer was the son of James Mapes (b. 1863) and Myrtle E. Mapes (b. 1869).

The couple moved to Bristol, Rhode Island, by 1926. They had two daughters, both born in Massachusetts—the first in 1929 and the second in 1934.

In the 1930 Census, Marion and Elmer were living at 895 Hope Street in Bristol. At just 31 years old, Elmer had already become the acting superintendent of schools, a noteworthy achievement.

Later Years

Sometime during the 1950s, Marion and her family relocated to Weymouth, Massachusetts, where she would live out the rest of her life.

Elmer passed away in 1974, and Marion followed three years later in 1977, at the age of 78.