Marion Sandler's Life and Legacy

Marion Sandler's life was a testament to her determination and perseverance. Born in 1930, she grew up in a family that valued education and hard work.

Marion's early life was marked by her parents' struggle to make ends meet, which instilled in her a strong sense of resourcefulness and frugality.

Marion Sandler co-founded Golden West Financial Corporation in 1963 with her husband, using $3.8 million in funding from her brother, Bernard.

The company started small, acquiring Golden West Savings and Loan Association in California, which had only one branch at the time.

Golden West grew into one of the largest thrifts in the U.S., with assets of approximately $125 billion, deposits of $60 billion, and 12,000 employees.

Under the Sandlers' management, Golden West generated a 19 percent average annual compound growth in earnings per share over a 39-year period.

The company was described as "one of the most efficient and productive money machines on the planet".

Golden West was included 10 times in Fortune magazine's annual list of the United States' most admired companies.

The Sandlers were also named "2004 CEOs of the Year" by Morningstar, Inc.

Golden West was sold in October 2006 for $24 billion to Wachovia Bank.

The Sandlers owned about 10% of the company at the time of the sale, making their share of the sale price worth $2.4 billion.

They gave $1.3 billion to the Sandler Foundation out of their share of the sale price.

Marion Sandler was a dedicated philanthropist who supported various causes throughout her life.

The Sandler Foundation, a charitable organization founded by Marion and her husband Herbert, supported organizations involved in medical research, the environment, human rights, and civil liberties.

Marion and Herbert Sandler also helped found the Center for Responsible Lending, a nonprofit organization that fights predatory lending practices.

The Sandlers were among the largest benefactors of the Center for American Progress, a progressive think tank, and ProPublica, an investigative reporting newsroom.

Marion Sandler's philanthropic efforts were a testament to her commitment to making a positive impact on society.

The American Asthma Foundation was another organization supported by the Sandler Foundation, highlighting Marion's dedication to various social causes.

Marion Sandler's legacy extends beyond her business accomplishments, and her philanthropic work continues to inspire others.

Marion Sandler married Herbert Sandler in 1961, and they had two children, Susan and James.

They were a devoted family, and their marriage lasted for many years until her passing.

Marion Sandler was 81 years old when she died at her home in San Francisco.

Her husband, Herbert, survives her and is mentioned as the strategist behind their business ventures.

She is also survived by her brothers, Bernard and Harold Osher, and her grandchildren.