Obituary for Grace Marks
**AT THE DIRECTION OF MRS. MARKS, ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE PRIVATE. A PUBLIC MEMORIAL SERVICE WILL BE HOSTED AT A LATER DATE.**
Grace Marks
3/9/1927 – 11/18/2022
Grace Marks of Rye Brook, NY passed away on Friday, November 18th, 2022 at the age of 95. Throughout her long, full life, Grace was many things; notably, a scientist, educator, artist, feminist, philanthropist, humanist, wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Born in Brooklyn NY to parents Michael and Bessie Hirshfeld, who owned a “notions” store, Grace graduated from Brooklyn College, met and married Leonard Marks in 1950 and later moved to the suburbs with him to raise their family.
A lifelong lover of the arts, particularly drawing and painting, Grace took many classes to enhance her skills. She traveled for pleasure and inspiration, filling her home with many beautiful pieces. Opera was another passion, and she subjected her family to many hours of it on Saturday afternoons as household chores were being done. Both Grace and Lenny were city people, but when they were introduced to camping in 1967, they fell in love with it. There were many wonderful family camping trips, with Grace leading songs around the campfire on the guitar, which she taught herself to play. She was always creative and could whip up an eye-catching Halloween costume out of whatever was lying around the house. She was also an excellent cook and loved to bake. Whether it was her fruit tarts, cookies, pies or cream puffs, dinner always ended with a delicious experience.
Grace lived her life with the belief that it was important to give back to your community. She was a Girl Scout leader, frequent volunteer for both political and social causes, and taught Biology and other science classes at Mt. Vernon High School until retiring. In retirement, Grace continued to volunteer and work for Planned Parenthood and as a caseworker for Westchester Social Services.
She is survived by her children Louise, Allen and Robert; her grandchildren Hallie, Stephen, Roy, Eve and Jessica, her nephew Edward Merker and many other loving nieces, nephews & cousins. Grace was predeceased by her husband Lenny, her sister Alta and her husband Philip Merker, and her beloved niece, Marilyn.
Grace believed in making the most of this life and did so while trying to make the world a better place. She instilled these values in her family, who will miss her and cherish their memories of her always. Donations in Grace’s memory may be made to Planned Parenthood or WNYC.
Grace Marks
3/9/1927 – 11/18/2022
Grace Marks of Rye Brook, NY passed away on Friday, November 18th, 2022 at the age of 95. Throughout her long, full life, Grace was many things; notably, a scientist, educator, artist, feminist, philanthropist, humanist, wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Born in Brooklyn NY to parents Michael and Bessie Hirshfeld, who owned a “notions” store, Grace graduated from Brooklyn College, met and married Leonard Marks in 1950 and later moved to the suburbs with him to raise their family.
A lifelong lover of the arts, particularly drawing and painting, Grace took many classes to enhance her skills. She traveled for pleasure and inspiration, filling her home with many beautiful pieces. Opera was another passion, and she subjected her family to many hours of it on Saturday afternoons as household chores were being done. Both Grace and Lenny were city people, but when they were introduced to camping in 1967, they fell in love with it. There were many wonderful family camping trips, with Grace leading songs around the campfire on the guitar, which she taught herself to play. She was always creative and could whip up an eye-catching Halloween costume out of whatever was lying around the house. She was also an excellent cook and loved to bake. Whether it was her fruit tarts, cookies, pies or cream puffs, dinner always ended with a delicious experience.
Grace lived her life with the belief that it was important to give back to your community. She was a Girl Scout leader, frequent volunteer for both political and social causes, and taught Biology and other science classes at Mt. Vernon High School until retiring. In retirement, Grace continued to volunteer and work for Planned Parenthood and as a caseworker for Westchester Social Services.
She is survived by her children Louise, Allen and Robert; her grandchildren Hallie, Stephen, Roy, Eve and Jessica, her nephew Edward Merker and many other loving nieces, nephews & cousins. Grace was predeceased by her husband Lenny, her sister Alta and her husband Philip Merker, and her beloved niece, Marilyn.
Grace believed in making the most of this life and did so while trying to make the world a better place. She instilled these values in her family, who will miss her and cherish their memories of her always. Donations in Grace’s memory may be made to Planned Parenthood or WNYC.