Marlene K. Goldstein

Marlene (Kaplan) Goldstein, 85, of Newton, formerly of Brookline, entered into rest on Monday, November 2, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was the beloved wife of Jerome “Jerry” Goldstein, with whom she shared 65 years of marriage.

Born in Boston, she was a daughter of the late Jacob and Esther (Gordon) Kaplan.

Marlene had a large personality, a zeal for life, a love of great wine, great food and great adventures. She especially loved her grandchildren and never missed a game or performance that any one of them had and enjoyed many sleepovers and vacations with all of them. She was very proud of her world-record tuna and was convinced it could be worked into any and every conversation. Marlene always found a reason to gather a crowd to celebrate events, big and small. For more than 40 years she and Jerry threw legendary New Year’s Eve parties where she dressed to the nines and sang by the piano with a glass of wine in her hand all night long. Marlene and Jerry were always surrounded by friends and family, a testament to their warmth and generosity of spirit.

She was passionate about politics and many social causes and would travel to work on campaigns - knocking on doors, fundraising, offering advice and counsel - whatever was needed to help facilitate the change she wanted to see in the world. Marlene was a trailblazer, returning to law school for a second career in her 30’s with young children at home, starting her own law practice, and being an integral part of Jerry’s many entrepreneurial endeavors.

In addition to her beloved Jerry, Marlene leaves behind her devoted daughters: Lisa Gordon and her partner John Treadway of Newton, and Rachel Goldstein and her partner Neil Curran of Boston; her cherished grandchildren: Nadav Konforty, Jeremy Gordon, Adi Konforty, Rose Gordon, and Noa Konforty; her sisters: Pearl Siegal and Sheila Kaplan; and many caring nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind many dear friends of hers and Jerry’s, who were like extended family over many, many years.

A funeral service will take place at 1:00 PM on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at Stanetsky Memorial Chapel, 1668 Beacon Street, Brookline. Interment will follow at Boylston Street Cemetery, 776 Baker Street, West Roxbury.

Shiva will be observed Thursday from 4:00 – 7:00 PM and Friday from 1:00 – 4:00 PM at Evans Park in Newton.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Marlene’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.