Marilyn Krachmer

MARILYN KRACHMER

Iowa City

Marilyn Cohen Krachmer died peacefully Sept. 10, 2016, in the Chicago suburb of Glenview, Ill., following five years with breast cancer. She would tell you that it was not a "fight" with cancer. She would say that she was extremely lucky and never suffered. She lived a very full and active last five years since being diagnosed, and lived by her personal motto to "Savor the Moments," which she practiced many times daily. Marilyn found experiences where no one else would, and created relationships that others would let go by.

Marilyn was born in Houston, Texas, on Oct. 14, 1941. She graduated from San Jacinto High School and earned a B.A. from Newcomb College (the women's division of what is now Tulane University). Marilyn earned an M.A. in education at the University of Iowa, and went on to teach elementary school in New Orleans and Iowa City. She served as a research assistant in the University of Iowa Department of Radiology, where she developed an award-winning product, and she worked in research at the University of Iowa College of Public Health.

Marilyn's irrepressible zest for life, people and culture spawned her interest in volunteer work. She cherished her volunteer work for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life, the University of Iowa's Hancher Auditorium, the Coralville (Iowa) Center for the Performing Arts and the Iowa City Hospice Singers. She also enjoyed her participation in Mortar Board alums and Hawkeye Hikers of the American Volkssport Association.

Marilyn was never shy about sharing her Texas heritage by distributing Texas cake to friends, colleagues and caregivers every March 2 on Texas Independence Day, and yellow roses at all times of the year. She also was committed to sharing her Jewish faith and traditions whether it be through presentations to non-Jewish audiences, Jewish cooking lessons, and/or the distribution of Jewish food.

Marilyn is survived by her children, Edward Krachmer of Arlington, Va., and Kara (Jon) Herbst of Glencoe, Ill.; brother, Murry (Meryl) Cohen of Houston; sister, Stefani Margolis (Michael Krassner) of St. Petersburg, Fla.; nieces, Shayna Cohen of South Kingston, R.I., and Samantha Wallace of Houston; nephew, Sam Cohen of Brooklyn, N.Y.; and grandchildren, Rebecca and Tessa Herbst.

She was predeceased by her parents, Sam and Bebe Cohen.

A memorial service will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 14, at Agudas Achim, 401 Oakdale Blvd., Coralville, IA. A meal of condolence and celebration of life will follow the service. Private burial will be in Houston.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Ravinia Music Festival, Coralville Center for the Performing Arts, Congregation Agudas Achim (Iowa City), University of Iowa Hancher Auditorium or American Cancer Society Annual Relay for Life.

Online condolences may be sent to www.lensingfuneral.com.