Judith "Marie" Tuthill

With great sadness, we share the loss of our beloved Marie. She was an earthly guardian angel to so many and she became our heavenly guardian angel on July 26, 2021.
Born on December 9, 1949, in Wilmington, Delaware, Marie grew up in a loving home whose philosophy was to help those less fortunate, whether strangers or friends. She attended the University of Maryland and was the Philanthropy Chair for Alpha Phi which was just the first step in a lifetime of giving.
After numerous moves as the young wife of a Navy officer, Marie came to San Diego with her son, Scott, in the 1970s. She was an astute businesswoman and was involved in several successful ventures. Her primary focus as a single mother was raising Scott, yet she somehow found the time to improve her community and assist those less fortunate through her church and charitable organizations.
In 1989 she married Dick Tuthill and began her career as a very successful developer and working cattle ranch owner. After Dick’s passing, she continued both ventures with her son Scott.  With their continuing commitment to families, Scott and Marie built over 6,000 houses and apartments and facilitated playgrounds and parks throughout San Diego County, Imperial County, and Riverside County.  
It is truly hard to grasp the prolific scope of Marie’s philanthropy, but she leaves a profound legacy as she was exceptionally generous with her time, talents, and treasures and joyfully undertook enormous tasks for her beloved charitable causes. A dear friend described her as “San Diego’s Fairy Godmother” and those who benefited often never knew they were beneficiaries of Marie’s generosity.
In Marie’s high school yearbook, she talked about a future in zoological research, and in 1970 Marie became an active member and donor with the Zoological Society of San Diego. She was a champion of, and true friend to the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and their staff, regularly supporting new exhibits and always quick to ask, “What do you need?” and then ensuring that the need was fulfilled.  
Marie had a brilliant personality and could break down barriers with her charm. In 1994 Marie became the first woman inducted into the Kiwanis Club of Lake Murray and chaired numerous Children’s Christmas Parties, ensuring that underserved children never left hungry.
Marie typically shined the light on the good works of others and always humbly said that there were others more deserving. However, Marie was certainly most deserving and was the honoree at signature galas held by ECS and St. Paul’s as well as being selected as a Women of Dedication by the Salvation Army. 
The local post office knew Marie on a first-name basis because she made it her job to brighten the day and lives of everyone she encountered. If you knew her, you probably have received a beautifully handwritten note often including a personally selected cartoon just for you. She sent these notes for no particular reason except to make you smile, laugh out loud, encourage you, or let you know you were loved. She touched many hearts and let you know that she cared about you and that you were important to her.
Marie was brilliant and intellectually curious, and you knew not to call at 7:30 pm as she would be watching Jeopardy. She would have made a worthy opponent to Ken Jennings.
The last 18 years brought her tremendous joy as she was able to watch her grandson, Scotty, grow into a charming young man. She would attend every sporting event he participated in, although watching him play lacrosse was her favorite. 
Marie was a darling energetic woman with a permanent twinkle in her eye and wry wit. She lived enthusiastically, loved parties and spending time with her friends and family, and had a magical way to make an adventure out of anything she undertook. 
Our hearts are shattered, and words cannot express how much she is missed but she lives on in the wonderful memories of every person she loved and helped, every life she improved and empowered, every animal she saved, every project she supported, and those memories and accomplishments will carry us through.
Marie is survived by her beloved partner of 17 years Dennis Bradstreet, son Scott Slocum V (Michelle K.), grandson Scotty, sisters, Linda Duvall and Virginia Watson (Mike), nephew Robert Duvall (Shannon), stepmother Lillian, stepsiblings Marty and Bruce, step-grand-children Wesley, Alicia and Richard, and other cherished step-great-grand-children, nieces, nephews, family and friends too numerous to list but not forgotten.
Marie was preceded in death by her parents Robert John and Ruth Christine LaPorte, spouse Dick Tuthill, stepsons Tim Tuthill and Jon Tuthill, and niece Christine Vitello.