Marie Whitesel was born on March 19, 1916 to Frank E. and Elsie Haasch in Fruitland, Idaho. She attended grade school in Parma, Idaho, and then graduated from Twin Falls High School in Twin Falls, Idaho.

Following high school, Marie attended the University of Idaho to study art. While at the U of I, she worked for the university's newspaper, the Argonaut. Marie was also a member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority and was president of the sorority for a time. She was also active in the Mortar Board, the Pan Hellenic Association, Phi Beta Kappa, the Gem of the Mountains Yearbook business staff, The Spurs, Alpha Lambda Delta, and much more. In 1938 she graduated with highest honors from the College of Letters and Science with a Bachelor of Arts.

During her time at the university, she met Glen Whitesel. They married in 1939. That same year Marie completed her Masters degree in Painting from the University of Iowa. While Glen attended medical school at the University of Chicago, Marie worked as a draftsperson at the H. M. Gouche Map Company, and a secretary to researchers at the university. Glen served in the 167th General Hospital Unit in France during World War II. The two eventually moved to and settled in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Marie also eventually completed her Masters degree in Painting from the University of Iowa.

In 1973, Marie became a member of the University of Idaho Alumni Association Board, and served as president from 1977-1979. At that time, it had been 58 years since a woman had been president of the Alumni Association. She also served on the University of Idaho Foundation Board.

When the university merged the College of Art and Architecture with the College of Liberal Arts, Marie was a prominent voice in advocating for their separation. She, along with other notable advocates, persuaded the reestablishment of the College of Art and Architecture.

As a professional artist, Marie saw great success from her work. She taught an extension course for U of I, showed paintings and prints at the New York World's Fair and the Denver Art Museum, and had exhibitions regionally and at U of I. Her paintings hung a the University of Iowa, as well as Idaho, the First Security Bank of Idaho, and within many private collections.

In 2002, she was awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree from U of I. Marie Whitesel passed away on November 23, 2012.