Marianne Breslauer

Marianne Breslauer (born Schäffer), December 20, 1914 - February 21, 2015

A Century of Giving to Others

Marianne Breslauer, Special Needs Social Worker, Saintly Mother of 3, Skilled Staffer for an international post-World War II Finance Committee, avid Community Advocate, and passionate Parent Teachers Association President, passed away on February 21, 2015 in Highland Park, NJ at the age of 100. Marianne’s life was dedicated to helping others. As a social worker, she gave extraordinary support to dozens of families, many challenged by cerebral palsy, converting their despair into hope, and their hope into meaningful and productive lives. As a private citizen, she advocated for rational community planning and development, well before such activities were fashionable. As a mother, she was the calm, reasoned, and nurturing family glue. Her memory is celebrated by all of us fortunate enough to have been touched by her special humanity.

Marianne was predeceased by her husband of 53 years, Henry Breslauer, and by two of her younger sisters, Renate Schäffer and Leonore Forsgren. She is survived by her three children and their spouses, Helen Breslauer (Robert Frankford) of Toronto, George Breslauer (Yvette Assia) of Oakland CA, and Kenneth Breslauer (Sherrie Schwab) of Edison, NJ; by her grandchildren Michelle of New York City, David of San Francisco, Danny of Edison, NJ and Jordan of New York City; by her step grandchildren of Toronto, Rachael Frankford (Eduardo Garibay) and their children Sebastian, Olivia and Theo, and Elizabeth Mackay and her children Malcolm and Lila; by her sister Ruth Fröland; her grandniece and grandnephew, Pia Forsgren and Joachim Forsgren, and their children, all of Sweden; her cousins Susanne Manovill of Prince Edward Island and Irene Stockton of New York City; and by Sonie Trotman Frederick, her saintly companion and caregiver, whose love and dedication made it possible for Marianne to live independently and retain her dignity during her final years as an active senior citizen in Highland Park, New Jersey.

Marianne was a truly special person. She was very modest; was an excellent listener; had a wonderfully subtle sense of humor; and she exhibited a strong sense of social justice. Beyond her highly developed professional skills and accomplishments, she was an extraordinarily devoted wife, mother, family person, as well as a deeply loyal friend. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Condolences may be sent to the family through www.jkfuneralhome.com where information about funeral and shiva arrangements may also be found. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 24, 2015 at the Maple Grove Cemetery, 127-15 Kew Gardens Road, Kew Gardens, NY. (718) 544-3600. Services will be held at Section B-94A - Grave #4 at the Cemetery. Shiva will be observed at her son, Kenneth's home at 308 North Eighth Avenue, Edison on Tuesday from 3-8 p.m. and on Wednesday from 4-8 p.m. with Minyan services at 7:00 p.m. each of these evenings at the home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice, or to “Doctors without Borders,” which was very special to Marianne.

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