Marian H. Tatu

Marian Hanada Tatu took her last breath peacefully at home on March 11, 2026, with her three children, Fran Slaton, and Robin and Anthony Tatu, by her side. She was 92.

A dedicated reader, gardener, chef, and writer, Marian enjoyed a remarkable life. Raised on a tiny peach farm in Cutler, California, she lived through World War II and the internment camps before meeting her future husband Frank at University of California, Berkeley. She joined him as a U.S. diplomatic spouse to journey for the next 30 years to postings in Hong Kong, Laos, Taiwan,Thailand, the Philippines, Nepal, Indonesia and Malaysia.

Marian’s professional pursuits overseas, and subsequently in Washington, D.C., included writing and editorial work for magazines and newspapers, the Mandarin and Hilton hotels, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and the American Society for Engineering Education.

Upon retirement in DC, Marian installed a bookhouse and refined her garden, single-handedly laying a brick walkway (three times!). Each spring, the neighborhood enjoys a rich array of daffodils, tulips, peonies, hyacinths, hellebore --- and that weeping cherry tree. She hosted friends, book clubs, and her treasured “puzzle gang.” Family visited often to savor the quiet beauty of Marian’s sanctuary. We will miss her deeply.

Marian is survived by her children, Francine, Robin, Anthony and his wife Kim; the grandchildren, Maya, Adri, Jonas, and Christian; and niece and nephew, Jenifer and Chad Bellin. Her younger sister Nancy Bellin and beloved husband Frank preceded Marian in death.

A private service will be held in early May at DACOR Bacon house. Donations in Marian’s name may be made to ASPCA, The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.