Marion R Small

Marion Ruth Small passed away on Monday January 6, 2014. She was the widow of Jack J Small. Marion was born on July 1, 1925 in Waterbury, Connecticut to Jacob and Sarah (Harris) Kolins. Marion attended Driggs Elementary School and Wilby High School in Waterbury, Connecticut.

Although stricken with polio in 1931, Marion persevered and was able to graduate with her class from Wilby and go on to the University of Connecticut. Following her graduation in 1947, Marion, dedicated to helping find a cure for polio, worked in medical research at Yale. Upon her marriage to Jack in 1948, she moved back to Waterbury where she was a member of the Beth El Synagogue congregation and taught at Beth David Academy. Later in life she returned to the workforce, first as a biology teacher, followed by her service as a social worker in the Department of Children and Youth Services (now DCF). Marion was dedicated to her work and took a special interest in helping children in need and facilitating adoptions for many foster children. Upon her retirement, she moved to Rainberry Bay in Delray Beach, Florida where she continued her service to those in need up until her death.

She is survived by three sons, Jeffrey Small and his wife Wendy Wolcott of Bloomfield, CT Edward and Donna Small of Boca Raton, FL, and Michael and Amy Small of South Windsor CT; grandchildren Jonathan Small, Andrew and Jane Berling, David and Becki Begleiter, David and Kelly Small, Adam, Ryan, Jenny, and Emma Small; great grandchildren Madison Small, Margaret and Caroline Berling. Marion also leaves numerous nieces and nephews, cousins and lifelong friends.

Despite her physical incapacities, Marion Small strove diligently to improve the lives of those around her through her dedication to learning, service and social justice.

Funeral services will be held Friday Jan. 10th at 2 PM at Riverside Gordon, 7205 W. Atlantic Ave. Delray Beach, FL. A graveside service will be held on Monday January 13th at 1PM Brass City Lodge, Frost Road, Waterbury. CT.

Our life is not judged by our riches or our power, but by the love we have left behind, Therefore, we can all say, “Well done, Mom".

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Nadel Center for Early Childhood Education at Congregation B'nai Israel, 2200 Yamato Road, Boca Raton, Florida 33431 or a children's educational service of the donor's choice.

Shiva will be observed at the home of Edward and Donna Small 21277 Raindance Lane, Boca Raton, FL Friday thru Sunday. and at the home of Jeffrey Small and Wendy Wolcott, 21 Duncaster Lane, Bloomfield, CT.