Marianne D. Greenfield

Marianne Duval Greenfield was born in Houston, Texas on May 6, 1940 and passed away on Wednesday, September 7, 2022. She was predeceased by her parents Minnie Gerson Duval and Jean Albert Duval, son-in-law Edward Zissman, parents-in-law Francine and Max Greenfield and brother-in-law Ronald Greenfield. Marianne was a Houston girl from her first breath to her last. She was a lifelong member of Congregation Emanu El where she was active in Sisterhood and in countless committees over the years. She was a proud graduate of San Jacinto High School in 1958. And although it took her 21 years to complete her undergraduate studies, it was her tenacity that drove her to continue taking classes at the University of Houston even as her family grew and those responsibilities took up most of her time. In 1982 she graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Houston alongside her daughter Elizabeth. Through these Houston institutions, and numerous others, Marianne cultivated and kept friendships that nourished and sustained her for her entire life. She was a kind and friendly woman whose pleasant ways belied a strong will, a deep sense of spirituality and a ferocious sense of righteousness. It was important to Marianne that in a crowded event where not all were known to one another that she take it upon herself to introduce everyone to where at the end of the event, there were no strangers. It was her buoyant sense of friendship that was responsible for the initiation of many relationships that flourished from her introductions and passion for people and inclusion. She was a consummate hostess whether at the family ranch near Brenham, or at their Houston home. Marianne made every guest feel welcome, and many friends ended up feeling like members of the family thanks to her warmth, kindness, and irresistible charm. In 1984, Marianne opened Chocolate Designs with her daughter Debbie and it quickly became a leading Houston confectionary. Later, Marianne helped build her daughter Michelle's sporting goods business into a thriving enterprise. Marianne's intelligence, drive, perseverance, and friendliness helped bolster every business and organization with which she was affiliated. During the years that Marianne and Larry were raising their daughters, most of the girls' friends ended up feeling that they had a second mom. She was always there with an after school snack, was interested in whatever Elizabeth, Debbie, and Michelle and their friends had to say, and always provided a strong shoulder to cry on and excellent advice on how to handle any problem her children or their friends faced. She reveled in not only her children's successes, but in her husband's as well. It was Marianne's great love and support for Larry that helped her to propel him to become District Governor in the Lion's Club organization. Marianne championed her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren at every opportunity. Marianne was fortunate to have a large and close family whom she loved fiercely. She is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Dr. Larry Greenfield; daughter Elizabeth Krohn and husband Matt, daughter Deborah Zissman, daughter Michelle Stone and husband Howard; grandchildren Jeremy Balkin, Andy Balkin and wife Shana, Mallory Botwin and husband Harrison, Nic Krohn and wife Joy, Jonathon Reckles and wife Suzie, Meredith Bleiler and husband Seth, Heather Fishman and husband Doug, Eric Zissman and wife Tamara, Mindy Spellman and husband Mark, and Alex Stone and wife Christina. Marianne is also survived by twelve wonderful great-grandchildren who were the light of her life: Maxwell Balkin; Efrayim, Yehuda and Nava Balkin; Evelyn, Leo and Lillie Krohn; Sadie Botwin; Mason Reckles; Emily Bleiler; and Hannah and Justin Fishman. She is also survived by her brother Glen Duval and wife Kathy, sister Linda Stanley and husband Richard, sister-in-law Susie Wizig and husband Terry, and numerous loving nieces and nephews. The funeral service for Marianne was held on Friday, September 9, 2022 at 2:00pm at Emanu El Memorial Park, 8341 Bissonnet St., Houston, TX 77074. The family requests that those who wish to express sympathy consider making a donation to the newly established Marianne Greenfield Garden fund at Congregation Emanu El. Marianne was a loving light and presence to everyone fortunate enough to know her. She was treasured by all and will be missed beyond measure.

Marianne D. Greenfield

May 6, 1940 - September 7, 2022