Obituary of Marianne Orkin

WATERBURY-Marianne L. Orkin (neé Newman) passed away at the Alzheimers Resource Center in Plantsville CT on Nov. 26, 2014. She was born in 1927 in Oppenheim Germany and emigrated to the US in 1941. She escaped from the Hitler regime via Lisbon Portugal aboard the SS Exeter with her parents, Carl and Hilda Newman, and older brother and companion Martin. Marianne attended Julia Richmond High School in New York City, was an accomplished student and athlete, and later attended Brooklyn College. While working at R.H. Macy & Co. she met and later married Abe Orkin, and in 1947 moved to Waterbury CT, where for 50 years they owned and operated Ray's Army & Navy Stores. Marianne was a lifelong member of Hadassah and in 2002 was named a Hand of Healing Honoree. She was also a member of the Beth El Sisterhood, a charter member of Ridgewood Swim Club, an avid Bridge player, tennis player and dancer. Marianne is predeceased by her beloved husband of 52 years, Abe Orkin. She is survived by her son, retired Major Richard Orkin from Portsmouth NH, son Glenn Orkin and Nancy Paulhus-Orkin of West Hartford CT, son Dr. Mitchell and Michele B. Orkin of West Hartford CT, daughter Dr. Tracy Orkin and husband Mark Robinson of Peru NY and son Dr. Carl Orkin and wife Dr. Lisa Orme of Melbourne Australia. Marianne is also survived by Martin and Dr. Jerrie Newman, her brother & sister-in-law from Camarillo CA with whom she shared a special relationship, and their children - Carl, Eric, Bonna and Andrea. She also leaves behind her sister-in-law Lillian Goldstein of Thousand Oaks CA and cousin Carol Kinderman from Petah Tikvah Israel. 'Grammy's' greatest pride and joy were her grandchildren – Hildi Orkin; Laena and Alex Orkin; Kaye, Hannah and Alice Robinson; Dr. Sarah Orkin, Eli Orkin; and Abe and Levi Orkin. She cherished the time spent baking, raking, gardening, swimming and diving with all of them. Marianne and her family owe a debt of gratitude to the Hans and Gockel families from Oppenheim for standing by them in a time of great danger and darkness, and to Ike Oppenheim of Scranton PA for sponsoring their emigration to the US. Finally, the family would like to thank the wonderful staff and employees of ARC in Plantsville for their incredible care and unending patience and support. A graveside service will be held on Friday Nov. 28, 2014 at 1:45 p.m. in Hebrew Benefit Cemetery, Stillson Rd., Waterbury. In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) would be greatly appreciated by the family. The Alderson-Ford Funeral Home of Waterbury, 9 Holmes Ave. is in charge of arrangements.