Marianne (Wolfson) Reichlin died from end-stage Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases in her home on March 11, 2022 in St. Louis, Missouri.  She is survived by her daughter, Michele Elise and son-in-law, Larry Katz, her son, Hershel Paul, and granddaughter, Gabriela.  Marianne was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 60 years, Morris (Moe), and her sister, Nancy. 

Marianne was born on October 11, 1934 to Marcelle Goffinet and Alfred Mortimer Wolfson in Murray, Kentucky.  Her French and English speaking family was a bit of a curiosity in Murray.  Marianne was valedictorian of her high school class at the Murray (Teachers’) Training School.  She went on to receive her BA degree from the University of Wisconsin at Madison and her Masters in Genetics from Washington University in St. Louis, where she was introduced to her husband-to-be on a blind date.  

Marianne worked as a research assistant at the VA Hospital in Buffalo, New York from 1966-1981 and later, at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation for 28 years where, together with her husband, Moe, her work helped to advance the understanding of Lupus and other autoimmune diseases.  Marianne traveled with her husband to medical conferences worldwide, visiting six continents over five decades and making friends around the globe.  Friends and colleagues marveled at how Moe and Marianne were able to work together professionally and stay unwaveringly devoted to one another as a couple.  They had an exceptionally strong and affectionate bond.  Marianne had said that she “lived a charmed life”.

Marianne was an avid downhill skier and a passionate gardener.  She graciously hosted holiday work parties and wine tastings and welcomed newly hired colleagues to stay with them until they could get resettled.  Marianne was a lover of nature, animals, classical music and the arts.  She was an ardent supporter of progressive causes, environmental conservation, and social justice and donated generously to many charitable organizations.

Marianne will be remembered as a loving, loyal, patient, and supportive wife, mother, grandmother, friend and colleague. Her caring concern for people and the planet extended from people in need in her community to people across the globe.  People were drawn to her kind, sweet, and modest nature.  Her goodness, grace and gentleness endeared her to most everyone she met. 

To honor Marianne’s memory, contributions may be made to the charity or your choice.