Marilyn Brecher's Obituary
Marilyn Lenore Brecher (nee Beineke), 88, of Delray Beach, Florida—formerly of Newton, MA and Quechee Lakes, Vermont—a beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and aunt, passed away on May 4, 2024, just three months shy of her 89th birthday. Her loving husband of 68 years, Sheldon “Shelly” Brecher, predeceased her in December 2022. She is survived by her children Donald Brecher of Delray Beach, Laurie Brecher and her husband Robert Greenzeig of Chappaqua, NY, Kenneth Brecher and his wife Susan Brecher of Boca Raton, and her grandchildren Alexander and Joshua Greenzeig, and Jamie and Haley Brecher. She is the sister of Linda Rosenthal and the late Robert Beineke. She is the sister-in-law of Sandra Sklar and the late Marc Rosenthal. She is the beloved aunt to many nieces and nephews.
Marilyn was born on July 25, 1935, in Brooklyn, NY, and within months moved to the suburbs of Boston, MA. She was a devoted daughter to her late parents Arthur and Sophie Beineke, working during high school in their well-known Putterham Circle bakery, Linda Mae’s. She was a proud 1953 graduate of Brookline High School; she met her husband Shelly at 16 years old while strolling with Myrna (both her schoolmate and Shelly’s cousin) in Franklin Park,
Boston. From that day forward, they were the center of each other’s universe. She married Shelly, in January 1954, shortly after her graduation, moving briefly to Virginia while he completed his Navy service. They returned to Massachusetts where they raised their children in Newton. Marilyn was a devoted wife and mother, known for her immaculate and stylish home, elaborate meals and parties, and involvement in the community. In the 1970s, she emerged from life in the suburbs and began a successful business career, first as the Northeast regional sales manager for a vocational training school, a position she held while continuing to raise her family. In 1977 with Shelly and her eldest son Donald, she founded Janitronics Building Services—a commercial building maintenance services company located in Boston. Marilyn’s entrepreneurial spirit knew no bounds, and she regularly helped many family members start and run their own businesses through the years.
Marilyn was known for her free-spirit, fierce independence, strength of character, work ethic, deep sense of adventure, exquisite and sophisticated style and beauty, and sharp intelligence. She was always ready for the next trip around the globe or life challenge. She had a huge heart, mischievous smile and an undivided devotion to family and friends. She was always planning and executing some new event or dramatic caper – helping family and friends find or navigate new careers or personal setbacks, throwing legendary parties and holiday gatherings with elaborate themes, decorations and cuisine, and traveling to all corners of the world. Marilyn was also a fit and avid athlete: a passionate (and of course stylish) skier, a “hole-in-one” golfer, and a superb tennis player.
She and Shelly were lifelong curious world (and local) travelers, always ready for the next larger-than-life adventure. They could be found driving cross-country in their new MB car,
searching for the best watering hole or rock-skipping river in Vermont, or hiding from armed pirates during a cruise (true story)! Together they generously shared vacation homes and trips with a large circle of family members and friends. They also shared their love for travel with their grandchildren, exposing them to the joy of global exploration. Marilyn was deeply proud of each of her children and grandchildren’s accomplishments, always speaking to each of their unique traits and forever curious to learn and share in the details of their lives.
She was strong and a fighter through many medical challenges, choosing to live life hard and fast, with joy and verve. She had a huge network of dear friends, with whom she engaged in an endless array of lunches, dinners, card games, cultural events, and lectures. Marilyn was always on the go. During the pandemic, she could be found out and about, masked with her LV scarf, engaged in public life despite her underlying respiratory conditions. Above all, Shelly was the love of her life, and together they lived with deep purpose and bold adventure. Marilyn was blessed with a long, beautiful and stylish life, and will be deeply missed by many.
A chapel service will be held on May 7, 2024, at the Gardens of Boca Raton, 4103 North Military Trail, Boca Raton, FL 33431. Donations in her memory can be made to the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County, the Boca Raton Regional Hospital Foundation, or to a charity of your choice.m
What’s your fondest memory of Marilyn?
What’s a lesson you learned from Marilyn?
Share a story where Marilyn's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Marilyn you’ll never forget.
How did Marilyn make you smile?