Marilyn J. Wasserman

Wasserman, Marilyn J.

Marilyn Joyce Wasserman passed away on May 4, 2013. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Robert Wasserman; her three daughters, Diane Herrup (Steven) of Pittsburgh, PA, Arlene Wasserman of Ithaca, Judith Wasserman of Athens, GA; and her four grandchildren, Sofia Wasserman-Smith, Ella Wasserman-Smith, Madeline Herrup and Jacob Herrup. Marilyn was a loving wife, mother, community advocate, artist and craftswoman. She was born in New York City in 1928 and grew up in Ithaca. Mrs. Wasserman graduated from the College of Home Economics at Cornell University in 1949 where she met Robert Wasserman. They married in June of 1950. In addition to being a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, Marilyn Wasserman also volunteered in her communities of Ithaca, NY and Oakridge, TN. In the 1960s, when arts programs were cut in the public schools in Ithaca, Mrs. Wasserman offered to teach painting to elementary school children. She led a Camp Fire Girl Troop enriching young girls' lives and also volunteered to assist at Markles Flats Junior High School when it opened. Marilyn assumed leadership roles in multiple organizations to enrich the world around her, including serving as President of the Oakridge, TN branch of the Council of Jewish Women, where she was instrumental in organizing arts events for the community. Marilyn Wasserman later used her leadership skills to advocate for the improvement of mental health services in Tompkins County, helping to establish comprehensive care facilities at the Cayuga Medical Center. Once her children were grown, Marilyn focused her immense energy into her artistic work, developing her talents in the craft of glasswork. She created beautiful glass jewelry and, as a member of the Handwork Cooperative Craft Store, Mrs. Wasserman shared her stunning work with the community. She will be greatly missed by her family, friends and associates, but she lives on everywhere and in everyone she touched throughout her rich and fulfilling life. The memorial service will be held at Temple Beth-El in Ithaca at 1 p.m. on Monday, May 6. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the Kendal Rainy Day Fund, Temple Beth-El, or a charity that is meaningful to you.