Marjorie Ann Hodess

It is with immense sadness that we announce the death of Marjorie Ann (Friedman) Hodess (August 30, 1934–May 19, 2025), at the age of 90. Marjorie – or Margie to her family and many friends – was the beloved wife of Herbert Hodess, who died in 2020. Margie and Herb were married for 62 years. They are survived by their children David and Robin, and their respective families: Kristen, Lauren and Ethan Hodess, of Los Angeles, California, and Heinz Theres and Daniel and Noah Delfs, of Berlin, Germany.

Margie was originally from Hillside, New Jersey. She was one of five children of Rose (nee Goldman) and Ben Friedman. Her siblings included June, who died as a child, Robert, who died in 2022, and ‘the twins’ – Nancy and Richard. Marjorie was the children of immigrants from Lithuania and Hungary who dreamed of making a better life for their children – and succeeded.

Margie had a happy childhood, dominated by family, and family would remain central to her identity throughout her lifetime. Although Margie’s early years were also shaped by the material hardships of 'the war’, she had fond memories of family trips to the Catskills, summer camp in the Poconos, adventures as a girl scout and, later, taking the train to New York City with friends.

The Friedman household of her youth was notable for its humor, strong work ethic and above all food: Marjorie’s father Ben was a baker by trade and he and wife Rose set up both a green grocer’s and a restaurant next door. Later in life, Ben would continue his baking when he visited, and daughter Margie would clean up behind him. Margie was always a good housekeeper and very house proud. The same went for her style. Margie paid a lot of attention to detail in everything she did, whether it was decorating at home, organizing an event or putting together an outfit – shoes and bags always matched.

Margie attended Ohio University for two years, then transferred to Boston University, where she studied to be a teacher. While in Boston she met a kind and diligent dental student, Herb Hodess, and they began their courtship. Although Herb made Margie wait a bit longer than she wanted, they married after he finished dental school in 1958. Margie taught elementary school while Herb served as an Army dentist, and the young couple spent their first years in Fort Bragg, NC, Washington, DC and Philadelphia, PA, before they finally settled as a family in the Boston area.

Margie and Herb lived in Quincy, MA for nearly 50 years. Son David and daughter Robin were raised there. Herb set up practice as a dentist, and Margie was a stay-at-home mom, eventually rejoining the workforce once the kids were out of the house. Margie worked in accounting: she was good with numbers and well-liked by her colleagues.

Margie loved her home on Adams Street, and she greatly enjoyed being a part of the community around her as well. She was a longstanding member of a ladies’ bridge club, member and later President of the Women’s League at Temple Beth El, and an enthusiastic ‘ski friend’ to many at Waterville Valley, where she, Herb and their kids spent countless weekends and summer vacations. Margie loved the quiet of New Hampshire, it was a place she could truly relax and enjoy life. She was also an enthusiastic host, whether for Passover, Break the Fast, or just a simple summer barbecue for friends and family.

Margie had patience for projects and considerable talent, above all with knitting and needlepoint. Her creative skills led to many beautiful Icelandic knits, decorative pillows and gifts for newborns. The knitting bag accompanied Margie on all kinds of travel – as did a book of crosswords. She also loved art more generally, and introduced her daughter Robin to the world of art museums.

After retirement, Margie and Herb moved to Florida, starting a whole new life at Ibis Country Club in West Palm Beach. Marge found new friends easily, through bridge, a book club and even a theatre group, where she revealed a long-hidden acting talent.

Margie remained passionate about time with family, near and far. Travel for her and Herb was often connected to family events and visits with parents, siblings, cousins (including a regular cousins’ weekend) and later children and grandchildren. The latter meant travel from Germany to California and back again. Seeing the grandkids was always a priority and her greatest pleasure. Her last travel abroad was to her grandson Noah’s Bar Mitzvah in Berlin in 2019.

During her later years, especially in her final decade, Margie suffered a series of health challenges, including a stroke and a progressive case of Alzheimers. Herb cared for her with devotion. Once he passed, Margie entered memory care in Los Angeles. She spent almost five years at Silverado Beverly Grove, where she was a beloved resident. Although the disease robbed Margie of many memories, she continued to ask for Herb and both her parents. Margie remained spirited and determined until the end.

Farewell to our mother – our sweet Margie. She and Herb are now reunited. May her memory be a blessing.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Marjorie’s memory may be made to The Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research (www.alzinfo.org)

Arrangements entrusted to Stanetsky Memorial Chapels, Canton, MA. www.stanetskycanton.com