Marilyn Joy Kossof Greenberg surrendered this week after a battle against lung cancer, bringing to an end a long life beautifully lived. We were gifted eight years since she was first diagnosed. Along the way, the 79-year-old trailed happiness and love as a magnificent human, wife, friend, super mom, baker, makeup maestro, candy fiend, Chanel connoisseur. As she took her last breath, a smile of contentment was on her gorgeous face. Surrounded by her family, she was at peace with herself and the world.
Marilyn is survived by Dean Greenberg, her loving husband of 57 years, and her children, Dana, Anthony, Drew and his wife Becky, and Brett. Butchie — her nickname, was a vigorous, bright-eyed, vivacious human with an abiding interest in Jewish causes such as Temple of Aaron and Sholom Home. She was always a great friend and confidant with her four children, teaching them the ways of family, life and Judaism.
Marilyn also led an active life beyond her family, traveling the world, skiing, biking, and lifting weights. Above all, she was a marvelous cook, her legendary meals a magnet bringing together the family for the holidays, year after year. Though originally from Minnesota, she also spent many years with Dean at their home in Aspen, Colo. Selfless and not much of one for the spotlight, Marilyn freely gave of herself to everyone, always asking people she met about their families.
Marilyn was born on Feb 7, 1940, to Alfred & Jean Kossof in Minneapolis, Minn. She had one sister, Lori Bodin, who also recently passed. Marilyn grew up in Minneapolis. After graduating from the University of Minnesota, she became a dental hygienist and later, a professional make-up artist. In 1961, she married Dean, the first and only love of her life.
Additional survivors include grandchildren Rachel and Zachary Greenberg, treasured brother-in-law Steven Greenberg and his partner Linda Heinrich, Davy and Nile, sister-in-law Ellen Joy Fields and her partner Herb Morse, and nephews and nieces Jaime, Susan, John and Cathy. Other survivors include Lori’s children Cindy, Scott, Jay and Ross Bodin.
Funeral service will be held Thursday, 04/04/19 at 2 p.m. at Temple of Aaron, 616 Mississippi River Blvd., St Paul. Family will sit Shiva at 7 p.m. The family requests that donations in Marilyn’s memory be made to Sholom East, Temple of Aaron, or a favorite charity.