Marcia Stern of Ewing, N.J., died peacefully of natural causes on Oct. 18. She was 92 years old and a source of calm and strength to her family and friends.
Marcia taught for 37 years at the Jewish Community Center’s Ring Nursery School in Ewing and helped shape the lives of hundreds of children during her teaching career. She was honored with a lifetime membership to the JCC. Whenever someone called out “Mrs. Stern,” she knew it was the parent of a former student. She loved hearing how the children, now grown, were doing.
Born on Dec. 29, 1926, Marcia was the daughter of Bessie Wineberg and Max Siegel, the original owner of Siegel’s Pharmacy at Liberty and Broad, and she was proud of her Trentonian roots. She was the middle daughter of three girls. Her sisters Shirley Stone and Blanche Wiener passed away before her. She graduated from Trenton High School and the University of Delaware.
She was married to Samuel S. Stern for 47 years until he passed away in 2004. He was the love of her life. They raised three daughters, Amy Stern, Betsy Stern and Eileen Cory Michal. Her family was everything to her. She would have long phone calls with her granddaughter Jessica Michal and grandson Gregory Michal, who said she was “never boring.” She was close to her son-in-law James Michal.
Marcia took her first exercise class at age 80 when she joined PEAC — the Pennington Ewing Athletic Club. She went to the club 3-4 times a week into her 90s for cardio interval, chair yoga and tai chi. The Forever Young group and the staff at PEAC were her second family. When she stopped driving, she would Uber over and got to know the drivers.
She looked forward to participating in Saturday morning services at Adath Israel Congregation and getting her weekly aliyah. She was a longtime member of the Golden Age Club of the JCC and served as recording secretary until 2018.
She never missed voting in an election, and when presented with the opportunity for a mail-in ballot, she said to her daughter, what fun would that be?
She was the most resilient person we know and we miss her beyond words, but we also know that she lived a full life until her last day.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, Oct. 23 at Adath Israel Congregation, 1958 Lawrenceville Road, Lawrenceville. Burial will follow at Ewing Cemetery. Shiva will be observed at the home of Betsy Stern on Wed. and Thurs. from 6:30-8:30 pm and Fri. from 1:30-3:30 pm. Contributions in Marcia’s memory may be made to Adath Israel Congregation, HomeFront or Fair Fight 2020.
Betsy I am saddened by your loss. I am so happy that I was able to meet her. My condolences to you and your family.
I send my deepest sympathy on the loss of your beloved mother. I was fond of her and regret not attending her funeral, but I no longer drive and have no way to get there.
I am so saddened to learn of Aunt Marcia’s passing. I have long considered her a role model for rich, active living and showing love. Sending my condolences to Betsy, Amy, and Eileen. You will have treasured memories. Please know I will be with you in spirit on October 23. Wishing I weren’t so far away.
Betsy,
Your mom was a great role model. So sorry for your loss.
Linda Meisel
Dear Betsy, My heart goes out to you and your family at the loss of your Mom. I know how hard it is. Your memories will bring you comfort as you go on. lots of love and hugs, Always, Nancy.
I am just reading this now and so sad to know of your loss. Your mother had a beautiful spirit and her great smile really let you know she cared. I know she will be missed.
SORRY TO HEAR OF MARCIA’S PASSING….SHE WAS A VERY NICE PERSON
What an amazing person. It was a privilege to get to meet her briefly during the High Holy Days, and I am moved reading these details about her loving and extraordinary life. May her memory always be for a blessing.