Our biblical Miriam is a strong woman. A leader. A fighter. Someone we always try to understand better and relate to. As Tikva Frymer-Kensky wrote “Miriam led the women of Israel.” When speaking with the Greenberg family, I thought of Marilyn’s Hebrew name, Miriam. Marilyn, too, was someone people related to. She was a fighter. She cared deeply about the communities around her.Born in North Minneapolis, Marilyn graduated from North High School and the University of Minnesota. She was very close with her parents, Alfred and Jean of blessed memory. Both of her parents worked in a jewelry store after the immigrated from Europe. Because of this Marilyn, as Dean so warmly shared, she thought she knew Yiddish. She was close to her sister Lorraine, also of blessedmemory, and would visit her in New York once a year. They talked for hours on the phone.When Dean returned from the Navy he enrolled at the U and met for the second time his beloved Marilyn. The two had known each other from their USY mixer days. They got married at the Temple of Aaron in 1961. Very soon after followed four children in six years. She was a terrific mother and homemaker. A 

phenomenal cook, as Brett told me. After Leonora pass away, who she was very close with, she became the true glue to the family. Doing all the holiday meals. What she excelled at was being a great friend, especially taking the lead on so many of the Shiva meals. Dean said, she just jumped right in and handled everything. She loved her Judaism and was heavily involved with the Temple of Aaron and Hadassah.Marilyn had many hobbies, skills, and interests. She loved dancing as Tony mentioned. She prided herself on it. She loved Broadway musicals, going twice a year with Ellen Joy to fit in as many shows as possible. She started doing Judo at a young age and developed the nickname “Butchie” because as the story goes, she could beat up anyone. Drew recalled how important it was to her that she volunteered at the Aspen Valley Hospital. She worked in cosmetics for a while as a make-up artist. And every dollar she earned she gave to her children. She wanted them to know it was from her. She was selfless that way. And she loved her children; Dana, Tony, Drew and Brett. They were the loves of her life. She took two Chicago trips with Tony to go shopping. She was an excellent grandmother too, the type that got on the floor and played with the children. Brett shared that she always added “I have had the most beautiful life.” 

When Marilyn got ill, she denied it. She wanted to be strong. She cared about how others were doing, more than herself. People only spoke highly of her. And these traits manifested through two relationships. First the one she had with her caretakers, a group of incredible women in Aspen, Minnesota and elsewhere, who stood by Marilyn. A group affectionately and with endearment called her “Homies.” They were more than care takers, more than friends, they were a spiritual connection for Marilyn. The second way she stayed strong was through her relationship with her husband, Dean. Dean and I have spoken about how much he loved and cherished his wife and how much that love was reciprocated. They loved each other. They were a unit, a team, and bond. They traveled together. To Israel twice. And over 15 bike rides all over the world. They were truly in love, a love that has lasted a lifetime.Marilyn was refined woman. Loved her Diet Coke. She was well read. A good skier. The funny one of the group and natural at it, no need for drinking. She loved babies, absolutely adored them that they were like magnets to her. And like our biblical Miriam, she led by example. Exuding kindness, strength, and a loveable personality. To the family, I would like to leave you with blessings from Marilyn’s life. Dana, may your mother’s love be an example for you to love each member of your family. Tony, may you remember your mother as unique and one 

of a kind, and ensure that the example she set for you resonates through your being. Drew, ensure the family values your mother instilled in you continue for generations. Brett, may mom’s ability to feel lucky allow you to carry on her optimism about life and your surroundings. And Dean, may your lifetime of marriage serve as more than memories, but as meaning that you provided each other. And may wherever you go and whoever you meet, may they know that your other half was essential in making your life meaningful.May Marilyn’s memory forever be for a blessing. 

Rabbi Jeramy FineApril 4, 2019