Marian Perlmutter

Marian was born in New Jersey into a family that included her parents, Abe and Sarah Lewis, and two older brothers, Irvin and Donald. She and Isadore Perlmutter were married in 1949, initially living in Chicago, then the Detroit area from 1951 – 1982. They relocated to California in 1982, where they remained for the rest of their lives. Marian was married to the love of her life for nearly 70 years until his passing in 2018. Marian and Izzy had three children, Alice, Barry, and Roberta, plus 9 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

Marian was active in several charitable organizations, including long-term service in B’nai B’rith, where she headed their blood bank in the Detroit area and rose to become President of her Detroit-area chapter. Marian was also active in Jewish American Women’s ORT from the time they moved to California. Even into her 90s, Marian remained active in volunteer organizations, including regularly preparing and serving meals for those in need at local food banks for 2-3 years after she and Izzy moved in with Barry and his wife, Maryanne, at the age of 94.

Marian was always active, including regularly attending United Service Organizations (USO) dances in her teens during WWII, then ballroom dancing in her 20s. Marian had lots of friends throughout her life, and enjoyed their company as much as they enjoyed hers. She was a bowler on several teams, a regular in mahjong games, and even into her 90s, was meeting friends a couple times each week for card games, lunches, and anything else that might be available.

As a young lady, Marian was the first Jew hired by A&P supermarkets, convincing managers that she would be dependable and could be counted on to show up for work every day. Marian’s work ethic paid dividends for other Jews, as it opened the door for others to be hired. Marian was very proud to have paved the way for other Jews to be meaningfully employed.

Toward the middle of her long life, Marian expanded on her role as a stay-at-home mom, and began working as a bank teller, rising to the position of Head Teller at American Savings and Loan in the Detroit area. As she consistently demonstrated throughout her life, being someone others could depend on paid off.

In addition to her social and professional accomplishments, Marian was renowned as an extraordinary cook. She was most known for her 40-60 layer jello molds (really!), Hawaiian chicken, and pickled tongue, although she could always be counted on to produce cookies, cakes, and full meals that had everyone reaching for seconds and thirds.

Of all her accomplishments though, Marian was probably most proud of tending to the wellbeing and shaping the future of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She consistently demonstrated love for her family, and she left no doubt that their accomplishments and happiness brought her great joy.

Marian Perlmutter was an extraordinary woman. She touched hundreds of lives, and will be remembered by many well into the future.

A graveside service for Marian will be held Tuesday, December 3, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Eden Memorial Park, 11500 Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 91345.