Obituary of Lichtenstein, Marianne S.

Marianne Shwiff Weltman Lichtenstein, 81, died comfortably at home on February 16, 2010. Born in Dallas on August 20, 1928, she and her twin brother were the "babies" in the family created by Nettie and Alfred Shwiff. She was preceded in death by her brother Morris (Sonny) Shwiff, her sister Claire Fellman, and her twin, Marvin Shwiff. She was also preceded in death by her husband of twenty-six years Abe Lichtenstein, step-son Joey Lichtenstein, and daughter-in-law Margie Weltman. Marianne graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1945. She attended the school formerly known as North Texas State Teachers College before earning her degree from Southern Methodist University. Her first marriage to Louis Weltman of Fort Worth produced four children: Wendy, Randy, Bobby, and Jerry. After becoming a single parent, Marianne supported her family as an executive secretary, enjoying a long tenure at Lambert Landscape Company. In her retirement Marianne was a dedicated volunteer. An active member of her synagogue, Marianne was inducted into the Temple Emanu-El Sisterhood Hall of Fame in 1992. She also participated as a temple docent and worked with the Vickery Meadow project. When her husband Abe was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease, Marianne threw herself into advocacy work for that cause, eventually serving on the board of the Dallas Area Parkinsonism Society. A woman of curiosity, energy, and generosity of spirit, Marianne involved herself in numerous pursuits. She enjoyed the theater, loved playing bridge and mahj with her friends, and savored countless performances by her grandchildren. As the matriarch of the blended family she worked so hard to sustain, she leaves behind a large network of friends and family who cannot quite believe their Mimi is gone. Survivors include: children Wendy (George) Palmer; Randy (Stephanie) Weltman; Bobby (Gail Shecht) Weltman; Jerry (Sharon) Weltman; Andrea (Cal Donsky) Lichtenstein; Danny (Janice) Lichtenstein; and Lori (Trace) Ordiway; grandchildren Amy (Kent) Aftergut; Matt (Wesley) Lichtenstein; Ashley and Drew Lichtenstein; Brett, Josh, and Seth Ordiway; Noah Palmer; Alex and Elizabeth Weltman; Natalie and Julie Weltman; and Monty, Nita, Nate, and Max Weltman; and great-grandchildren Allison and Jessica Aftergut; sister Florence Shwiff; sisters-in-law Estelle Shwiff and Shirley Shwiff; and many cherished nieces and nephews. Funeral service will be held on Friday, February 19, 1:30 p.m., at Temple Emanu-El in the Olan Sanctuary, Rabbi David Stern officiating. Following the service and gravesite memorial, a reception will be held in Linz Hall at Temple Emanu-El. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Temple Emanu-El Sisterhood, the National Association of Mental Illness, or DAPS (Dallas Area Parkinsonism Society).