Marion Daitzman, predeceased by her husband, Ira Daitzman, of Orlando FL, passed away peacefully on January 27, 2019, at the Hospice of the Comforter in Altamonte Springs FL. She was 84. Marion was born April 30, 1934, in Brooklyn NY, to Samuel and Ida Eisen, most recently of Orlando FL.
The essays Marion wrote in her youth reveal a young woman who knew her own mind. Some frequent topics included her family, friends and future husband to whom she was happily married for 64 years. She also wrote of her love of music and her piano. Even in her teens, she was a strong advocate of civil and women's rights. Activism continued throughout her life, writing letters, signing petitions, contributing financially and attending functions for the benefit of people and causes that she strongly supported.
In the 1970s, Marion began volunteering with the Council for Continuing Education for Women (CCEW). The volunteering grew into her profession as a counselor, as the CCEW grew into the first structured Displaced Homemakers program in the USA. In the 1980s, her role expanded to include programs to introduce young women to jobs which were not traditionally thought of as jobs for women - airline engine repair, HVAC repair, carpentry etc. which paid higher wages.
Marion's top priorities throughout her life were her family and her community. She took care of her mother who lived to be 103, while maintaining active relationships with friends, family and her synagogue, always acting as the link that kept everyone in touch with each other. She raised her children to be strong independent and unique.
With a big, welcoming smile on her face and a sparkle in her eyes, she opened her heart to everybody in the community. She was authentic and honest, always willing to help others and was well respected by her community. Marion and Ira were members of Temple Israel of Central Florida for close to 60 years.
Marion is survived by her daughters Lynn (Mark) Fenster of Orlando FL, and Gerri (Marc) Lifshitz of Scarsdale NY, and her son Michael (Lesley) Daitzman of Boston MA; 5 grandchildren: Avraham (Sarah) Lifshitz, Rachel (Mordechai) Greenspan, Jesse (Katie) Lifshitz, Sam and Jacob; and 5 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Gladys Haber, brother-in-law Myles (Maxine) Daitzman, sister-in-law Janice (Richard) Wentz, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A graveside service was held January 29, 2019, at Beth El/Cedar Park Cemetery in Paramus NJ.
Memorial donations may be made to Temple Israel of Central Florida, 50 S. Moss Rd. Winter Springs 32708 (www.tiflorida.org); Jewish Pavilion, 421 Montgomery Rd, Suite 231, Altamonte Springs 32714 (www.jewishpavilion.org); Jewish Family Services of Greater Orlando, 2100 Lee Road, Winter Park 32789 (www.JFSorlando.org); or the Ira Daitzman Memorial Loan Fund in Israel (https://bit/ly/2DjDcxv).
