Margot Sinton Biestman
October 23, 1931 - April 9, 2022
Margot Sinton Biestman of Sausalito and Sonoma, CA passed away peacefully in her Sonoma home on April 9, 2022 at the age of 90.
A fourth-generation native of San Francisco, Margot was born to local businessman and civic leader Stanley Henry Sinton Jr. and renowned artist Eleanor “Nell” Walter Sinton. She was the sister of John W. Sinton of Florence, MA and her late sister, Joan S. Dodd of Berkeley, CA.
While attending Stanford and on a ski trip to Tahoe City, she met Perry Bernard Biestman, her beloved husband of 68 years, who passed in November 2020. Together, they shared their passions and love for family, friends, country walks, international travel, food, wine, painting, nature and dogs. Having regularly traveled there for over 50 years, Margot and Perry had a very special love of Hana, Maui and its people.
A member of a family that moved from Germany to San Francisco beginning in 1851, Margot graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Stanford University in 1953
and later received a Masters of Arts degree from Sonoma State University. Throughout her life, Margot was a teacher, artist, jeweler and author. Margot was a leader and maverick, not shying away from unconventional or novel ways of learning. Whether through her part in the conception of the Headstart program, or the use of art, real life experiences, or her breath teachings, she inspired and embodied a theme of curiosity in learning. She always wanted to make a difference and be known for something separate and unique. After years of teaching people ages 3 to 93, from educational platforms to dance and creative living in a senior care facility with her mother - Margot found her true passion.
In the early 1980’s, her own physical challenges turned out to become the gift which she transformed into a 45year career of her dreams: she became an exemplary teacher, practitioner and leader of Breathexperience as founded by the late Ilse Middendorf.
What Margot valued most of all was the authentic connections she formed with everyone. She often said, “I would rather be authentic than popular.” She was a dynamic, impactful, creative inspiration for many. Her family legacy will be forever remembered in her beloved “Grammie Stories,” a narrated collection of magical life lessons from her childhood.
Margot is survived by sons John (Jan) of Bend, OR and Mark (Karen) of Diablo, CA; and daughter Annie Caro of Sonoma, CA; grandchildren Ross, Jennifer, Jeffrey and Robert; great-grandchildren Parker, Levi and Koa, with more on the way; and members of her extended ohana Kate, Ben, Emily, Phoebe, Penny, Archer, Eleanor, Nick, Pat, Leo and Cammie.
The Biestman family expresses gratitude to each of the supportive caregivers, helping hands and friends who were lovingly present during Margot’s last years.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Donations may be made to: Breathexperience, www.breathexperience.com; Teepa Snow - Positive
Approach to Care - Dementia Care, www.teepasnow.com; Hana Community Endowment Fund, www.hanaaloha.org. Please include "In Memory of Margot Biestman."
A Hui Hou Kakou e ka makuahine aloha.