Remembering Leslee Marlow of Marlow Motor-Werks

If you have been a client of Marlow Motor-Werks since before COVID, you will likely remember the warm smile and friendly demeanor of the late Leslee Marlow. To honor her memory, we wanted to share a bit about Leslee, her constant striving for excellence, and her impact on the community surrounding Marlow Motor-Werks.

Born August 16, 1963, in Iowa, Leslee was the only child of Earl and Caralee Gunselman. She and her parents moved to California when she was only four-years-old. Many years later, Leslee and Charlie would meet in Modesto when they were both in school. On October 9, 1981, she married the love of her life, Charlie Marlow. Together, they raised two daughters, Tiffani Munsey (Seth) and Kimbra Said (Alex).

Through many happy years, Leslee found immense joy in her role as “Grammy” to her three cherished grandchildren, Kaylee, Laila, and Sasha. She was more than a mother and grandmother—she was a guiding light, a mentor, and a second mother to many.

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In 2007, Leslee and Charlie embarked on a new journey together, founding Marlow Mercedes-Werks. Together, they wanted to be known as the premier European auto repair shop on the Monterey Peninsula. In the early years, Leslee balanced her full-time job at CHOMP hospital while helping to build their family business. After working at the hospital, Leslee would then come to the shop in the afternoon to do bookkeeping, deliver cars, wash cars, and whatever else the business needed to succeed. She also took really good care of our team with snacks, birthday cakes, anniversary celebrations, and all the little extras that made our team feel appreciated.

While part-time, Leslee cared for our clients, too, but she performed much of her magic behind the scenes. For example, Leslee had a brilliant idea to “dress up” the vehicles that came into our shop on holidays. For Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and St. Patrick’s Day, she would decorate the Mercedes hood ornaments after each vehicle was washed and ready for pick-up. Here are a few examples of her handiwork, which earned miles of smiles from our clients.

By 2012, she transitioned into a full-time role at the shop, becoming integral to its success. Whether managing the business or spending time with her grandchildren, Leslee poured her heart into everything she did. Her love for her family was unparalleled, and her presence brought warmth and joy to everyone around her.

Leslee dedicated herself to everyone’s success here at the shop, but sadly, her selflessness would eventually affect her health. On Monday, May 11, 2020, the day after Mother’s Day, Leslee peacefully passed away in her sleep from a blood clot due to Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). She was the most loved wife, mother, grammy, daughter, family member, friend, and coworker.

After her death, as hard as it was, we wanted to spread awareness around blood clots. It was during COVID, and many people were at risk as she was in that we were all less active than usual. Charlie spoke to several people who said, “Gosh, I’ve been sitting here working from my kitchen table all day.” We still believe that if she had been working and taking care of grandkids as usual she would not have developed the blood clot. She was doing what we were told to do, which was to shelter in place. Our loss has been very heartbreaking and frustrating on many levels.

We did a Go-Fund-Me page and raised $10,000 for the National Blood Clot Alliance shortly after Leslee’s passing. Leslee and Charlie’s daughter, Kimbra, even joined the board, was the treasurer for a few years, and continues to serve on the finance committee.

The Marlow Motor-Werks team invites you to visit the “Stop The Clot” website https://www.stoptheclot.org/ and encourage others to learn more about this silent killer of over 100,000 people in the US every year. And in case you were wondering, March is Blood Clot awareness month.

We will never forget you, Leslee Marlow. Charlie and the team hope you’re watching over us as we continue caring for your beloved family, clients who turned into friends, and the greater Monterey Peninsula community.