CARLSBAD, California — Marion Broome Pakula was born on January 27, 1926. For 90 ½ years, Marion lived a life filled with love, accomplishment and always a positive outlook through her last breath. She passed away on June 28, 2016 after making a valiant effort to overcome a short bout with pneumonia.
Marion was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. She happily shared with her family and friends many stories of her life growing up with loving parents, a brother and many family members in a very close knit neighborhood. It was during those years in Brooklyn that she developed a love for all the best parts of the culture…theater, symphony, writing and elegant living. She excelled in school and became the first valedictorian of the first graduating class of Midwood High School in 1942. She was 16 when she graduated from high school and went on to Brooklyn College and then the University of Connecticut where she received a B.A. degree in English. After graduation, determined to be independent , she got a job in NYC at WNEW radio station and then the Book-of-the Month Club.
With great joy she retold the story many times of how she met her handsome husband on a blind date in 1947 and after a whirlwind courtship married Bob Pakula five months later in January, 1948. After they married, Marion and Bob bought their first home in New Hyde Park, NY and in the 6 years that followed had 3 children; Ross, Melanie and Scott. Not content to let her education and desire to be a professional end with motherhood, Marion started an at-home editorial typing service. She combined her love for writing and editing and working with academics and authors into a business that she maintained for many years. She did this all while being a wonderful wife, mother and a dedicated volunteer at her children’s school and also became a lifetime member of Hadassah. At the advent of computers, Marion went back to school to learn to be a computer programmer and in 1967 began a new career in computer systems, technical documentation, and later on moved into marketing communications and meeting planning. At the same time she developed a system for needlepoint designs to create plaid patterns and became a published author of 3 books on needlepoint: Needlepoint Plaids , New Ideas for Needlepointers and Needlepoint Patterns for Signs and Sayings.
In 1986 Marion and Bob decided it was time to retire to Carlsbad, CA. They both enjoyed their new life here with a moderate climate and relaxed pace in close proximity to two of their children and several of their grandchildren. A very handsome couple, they began another new career as “senior models” and loved the fun of working together. Marion also continued to work part-time in marketing communications into her 80’s, never losing her love for proofreading and editing. They enjoyed travel to Hawaii and sharing many of their vacations with their children and grandchildren. Their happiest memories were of family gatherings and celebrations.
Marion was a champion of positive thinking and when she was diagnosed with lung cancer at age 78 she overcame the odds. With the enormous medical expertise of Dr. Jorge Nieva and Dr. Ray Lin, and loving support of her husband and family, Marion became a lung cancer survivor. We say thank you to both doctors for giving her the gift of 12 more years of life.
Sadly, in 2010 Bob passed away. Marion missed her best friend and partner but continued to find enjoyment in reading, movies and spending time with her family. She began playing Scrabble weekly at the Carlsbad Senior Center and formed a nice circle of like-minded word lovers. The weekly Scrabble game was the highlight of her week. To those friends, we say thank you for being such a wonderful part of her life.
There are many people in her life she was thankful for. To her long-time neighbors, Denise and Jim who became her friends over the years and cared about her through the challenges of growing older, she loved you too. We know how you looked out for her and we thank you. To Rebecca and Theresa, who kept her looking and feeling elegant over the years, we thank you for your friendship and love of being with her. To her best friend from childhood, Phyllis Rudman Kaplan, your 90-year friendship was a gift she treasured.
Marion is survived by her three children who are eternally grateful for having such a wonderful mother; Ross Pakula (Karen) of Huntington, NY; Melanie Pakula Schuling (Doug) of Encinitas, CA; Scott Pakula (Pam) of Roswell, GA; and her grandchildren, Adam (Lauren), Joshua (Jacqueline), Brandon (Lindsey); Kendall, Marissa and Allegra; and great-grandchildren Charlotte and Addison and eight nieces and nephews. A memorial service was held in New Jersey.
Marion woke up every day and thanked God for the beautiful sky and the beautiful day ahead. As we give thanks at Thanksgiving, we give thanks for the honor of having her in our life. “Say not in grief, she is no more, but live in thankfulness that she was.” Jewish proverb
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Preceding was provided by the Pakula family. San Diego Jewish World’s eulogy series is sponsored by Marc and Margaret Cohen in memory of Molly Cohen, and by Inland Industries Group LP in memory of long-time San Diego Jewish community leader Marie (Mrs. Gabriel) Berg.