"Marianne met my grandparents, many years ago, and started calling them "Ide & Poppie'", my nicknames for them. So sweet & I feel grateful to have had her friendship for so many years. We were in the same graduating class of 1958. "
In loving memory of
Marianne D. Greenfield
May 6, 1940 - September 7, 2022
Marianne Duval Greenfield was born in Houston, Texas on May 6, 1940 and passed away on Wednesday, September 7, 2022. She was predeceased by her parents Minnie Gerson Duval and Jean Albert Duval, son-in-law Edward Zissman, parents-in-law Francine and Max Greenfield and brother-in-law Ronald Greenfield.
Marianne was a Houston girl from her first breath to her last. She was a lifelong member of Congregation Emanu El where she was active in Sisterhood and in countless committees over the years. She was a proud graduate of San Jacinto High School in 1958. And although it took her 21 years to complete her undergraduate studies, it was her tenacity that drove her to continue taking classes at the University of Houston even as her family grew and those responsibilities took up most of her time. In 1982 she graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Houston alongside her daughter Elizabeth. Through these Houston institutions, and numerous others, Marianne cultivated and kept friendships that nourished and sustained her for her entire life.
She was a kind and friendly woman whose pleasant ways belied a strong will, a deep sense of spirituality and a ferocious sense of righteousness. It was important to Marianne that in a crowded event where not all were known to one another that she take it upon herself to introduce everyone to where at the end of the event, there were no strangers. It was her buoyant sense of friendship that was responsible for the initiation of many relationships that flourished from her introductions and passion for people and inclusion. She was a consummate hostess whether at the family ranch near Brenham, or at their Houston home. Marianne made every guest feel welcome, and many friends ended up feeling like members of the family thanks to her warmth, kindness, and irresistible charm.
In 1984, Marianne opened Chocolate Designs with her daughter Debbie and it quickly became a leading Houston confectionary. Later, Marianne helped build her daughter Michelle's sporting goods business into a thriving enterprise. Marianne's intelligence, drive, perseverance, and friendliness helped bolster every business and organization with which she was affiliated.
During the years that Marianne and Larry were raising their daughters, most of the girls' friends ended up feeling that they had a second mom. She was always there with an after school snack, was interested in whatever Elizabeth, Debbie, and Michelle and their friends had to say, and always provided a strong shoulder to cry on and excellent advice on how to handle any problem her children or their friends faced. She reveled in not only her children's successes, but in her husband's as well. It was Marianne's great love and support for Larry that helped her to propel him to become District Governor in the Lion's Club organization. Marianne championed her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren at every opportunity.
Marianne was fortunate to have a large and close family whom she loved fiercely. She is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Dr. Larry Greenfield; daughter Elizabeth Krohn and husband Matt, daughter Deborah Zissman, daughter Michelle Stone and husband Howard; grandchildren Jeremy Balkin, Andy Balkin and wife Shana, Mallory Botwin and husband Harrison, Nic Krohn and wife Joy, Jonathon Reckles and wife Suzie, Meredith Bleiler and husband Seth, Heather Fishman and husband Doug, Eric Zissman and wife Tamara, Mindy Spellman and husband Mark, and Alex Stone and wife Christina. Marianne is also survived by twelve wonderful great-grandchildren who were the light of her life: Maxwell Balkin; Efrayim, Yehuda and Nava Balkin; Evelyn, Leo and Lillie Krohn; Sadie Botwin; Mason Reckles; Emily Bleiler; and Hannah and Justin Fishman. She is also survived by her brother Glen Duval and wife Kathy, sister Linda Stanley and husband Richard, sister-in-law Susie Wizig and husband Terry, and numerous loving nieces and nephews.
The funeral service for Marianne will be held on Friday, September 9, 2022 at 2:00pm at Emanu El Memorial Park, 8341 Bissonnet St., Houston, TX 77074. Please use the following link to view a recording of the service: https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/authorise.php?k=1662663688206986
The family requests that those who wish to express sympathy consider making a donation to the newly established Marianne Greenfield Garden fund at Congregation Emanu El.
Marianne was a loving light and presence to everyone fortunate enough to know her. She was treasured by all and will be missed beyond measure.
Tributes
"Sending sympathy to Larry and the family on their loss of Marianne. May her memory be a blessing. Fondly, Jan and Charles Hart"
"Remembering the wonderful neighborhood Mom you were to me and so many others on Darnell street. You were always such a calm and gentle presence. I also remember your big smile and infectious laughter as you watched us on the slip n slide in your front yard or playing in the A-frame cottage in the backyard. Years later you were there to support my family when we lost Sharon. Thank you for wonderful being you were in this life, Marianne- Mrs. Greenfield. Your memory is a treasure to me and countless others. Sending love to you Larry, Elizabeth, Debbie and Michelle. My thoughts are with you. With so much love- Dori Smith"
"Marianne and I go all the way back to Johnston Jr. High School, back in 1952. She was one of the sweetest girls I ever had the pleasure of knowing, and I shall miss our seventy-year friendship. I'll miss working with her on the San Jacinto Reunion Committee, where her reasoning and input will be greatly missed. Her positivity has always been so appreciated, not only at the planning sessions, but at the reunions themselves, even when visiting with people she may not have seen in 15, 20, or 50 years. We will all miss her. Larry has been her rock, and those of us who know him appreciate everything he has done for her. Gene Turboff"
"Marianne was always a part of my life and I?m so sad to think that I can?t give her one last hug and so grateful that she had the strength to call me on my birthday in August. That was her, she always made me feel so special and so important to her! She was so kind to my children and made them feel the same way! I will always feel her love even though she is no longer physically here. That is how strong she is, no physical world can separate her from the ones she loves. So much love to Larry and the entire family as they try to maneuver this world without her! Love you all! - Connie Van Wagnen and Family "
"There are just too many wonderful memories to share. I will always miss her calling me ?honey? and ?darlin?, she truly was my Mom #2! I will always miss her! "
"I am heartbroken. She was beautiful inside and out. May her memory always be a blessing. Sending love to y?all and to Larry."