- By Peggy Perry -
Imagine the thrill of a late-teen-aged girl from Ohio heading west to visit an aunt and cousins who lived in California. And the startling surprise of having all train travel, including her homeward bound trip, canceled when World War II broke out and railroads served only the military. She stayed in California, and it turned out to be not only exciting, but life-changing for Marty Obbink.
Marty’s cousin was a couple of years older and provided a social whirl with his friends - she loved it. In time, she met and married Everett Rose, an Air Force lieutenant, and traveled with him on assignments within the United States. It all happened because wartime railroad priorities for the troops overrode her civilian return ticket to Ohio.
After Everett’s early death, Marty married Don Obbink. With their two children, Derth and Debra, they settled down in the San Fernando Valley, where Marty and Don established Custom Metals, a manufacturing company which turned stainless steel into furniture and accessories for homes, offices and medical facilities. Their children grown, Marty lived the life of community volunteering until her husband became ill and encouraged her to run the business after his death. For ten years a partner managed the manufacturing, while Marty headed the financial and administrative functions.
When the business was sold, Marty returned to community service and to the joy of two granddaughters, Debra’s girls Alex and Erin. Word about a new senior community in Thousand Oaks began to circulate among her acquaintances, and Marty visited La Costa Glen. She liked what she saw; in September of 2007 she became an early resident of University Village. A
number of those friends are also here at UVTO now.
Marty’s eyes sparkle when she affirms what a good decision that was. She enjoys the lifestyle, but even greater is her appreciation of this community as a family that cares for one another. A member of the Activities Committee, she helps organize the Saturday afternoon Bingo games and leads the Hand and Foot card game players. For her ready smile, her positive attitude and her helping make this a happier place for all of us, we thank our Noteworthy Neighbor, Marty Obbink!