Marcia Sue Amster Heller

Marcia Sue Amster Heller was born in Cleveland on December 17, 1949 and was raised in University Heights by her late parents, Eugene and Sonia Amster. She passed away in Los Angeles January 23, 2026. She was the dearly beloved wife of Jack Heller; devoted mother of Samuel Heller (wife Erin Dorman-Heller) and their puppy Luca; dear sister of Howard Amster and Terry Nussbaum and sister-in-law of Tammy Gould. She graduated from Cleveland Heights High in 1967 and attended The Ohio State University in Columbus, graduating in 1971 with a degree in Microbiology. She met the love of her life Jack at Ohio State Hillel and they were married in Cleveland on June 25, 1972. Marcia finished her Master’s of Science in Microbiology at Cleveland State University and worked in a research capacity as a microbiologist at the Cleveland Clinic. In 1979, Jack and Marcia moved to Pasadena, California, where their son Samuel Jacob Heller was born in 1980. Driven by a mother’s fierce love and a desire to provide Samuel with the best possible support for his development, Marsha pivoted her career becoming a dedicated Speech Pathologist. This move was not just a career change, but a calling that allowed her to merge her scientific background with her innate desire to nurture and advocate for others. She was a pillar of her community and a tireless philanthropist. Her heart was particularly tethered to causes involving hearing health, Israel, and Jewish continuity. She was the driving force behind pioneering hearing missions in Mexico and Israel, specifically designed to aid orphans. Through these missions, she ensured that children in need received essential hearing tests and life-changing hearing aids.

Her devotion to Judaism was the heartbeat of her home. She was an avid genealogical researcher, meticulously documenting her family histories and organizing family reunions and gatherings. Sukkot held a special place in her heart. She found immense joy in the hospitality of the holiday, hosting friends and family for lively gatherings under the Sukkah.

Marcia Amster Heller lived a life that blended a sharp scientific mind with a soft, empathetic heart. She taught us that the greatest use of one’s intelligence is in the service of those who need a voice.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026 at 10:30AM at Hillcrest Memorial Park 26200 Aurora Rd. Bedford Heights, OH 44146. Internment to follow.

Shiva will be observed at the home of Tammy Gould and Alan Silverman 3249 Kersdale Road, Pepper Pike, Ohio 44124 following the burial until 3 p.m. on Friday and 8:00 pm -10:00 p.m. after Shabbat. Please enter through the back of the house.

Beginning Sunday Shiva will be at the home of Tammy Gould and Alan Silverman, 48 Saint George Place, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Shiva from 3:00 pm - 8:00 p.m.

Beginning Monday Shiva will be at the Palm Beach Synagogue for minyan.

Professional services have been provided by Berkowitz-Kumin-Bookatz Memorial Chapel.