From the time she went door-to-door with a tin can collecting contributions for the United Jewish Appeal, Marlyn Essman recognized the importance of participating in and giving to the community. She devoted her adult life to philanthropic endeavors that touched children, seniors, animals, cultural institutions, and the Jewish community. One of the numerous fundraising campaigns she spearheaded raised millions of dollars to rescue thousands of refugees from the disintegrating Soviet Union. When she was called upon by local and national Jewish leadership, Marlyn participated in every way possible, committing countless hours to helping those in need.

 

Still, her community efforts were not confined solely to local and national Jewish organizations. Born and raised in St. Louis, Marlyn devoted her entire adult life to philanthropic and community activities for the benefit of a broad spectrum of cultural and educational institutions, including the St. Louis Zoo, the St. Louis Art Museum, the University of Missouri-St. Louis, and the Mathews-Dickey Boys’ & Girls’ Club. She was a passionate and determined advocate for those in need, and she inspired others in her community to do the same. The intelligence and wisdom she brought to community organizations raised the bar for community service in the St. Louis Metropolitan area. Not satisfied to rest on her achievements, Marlyn made sure that, when the time came to pass the baton, she taught her children and grandchildren the same values that had been so important to her.

Marlyn’s list of achievements and recognitions included the St. Louis Woman of Achievement Award; an honorary Doctor of Arts and Letters from the University of Missouri-St. Louis; the Jewish Community Center’s President’s Award; and the Mathews-Dickey Boys’ & Girls’ Club Woman of the Year Award. Marlyn set an example for her family and for her community of the depth and breadth of true charity. She will be greatly missed.