Florence Marks Wedes-Citarel

Florence Marks Wedes-Citarel was born on August 27th, 1927, into the loving arms of the Gussin-Marks family in Detroit, Michigan. She was the first born American as her parents, Dr David and Clara Marks left Russia to make their way to live their lives, pursue education and practice Judaism in peace. There with along with her sister, Dolores "Lollie" Bennish lived a typical Jewish life. She grew up surrounded by her extended family and was close to her cousins. At the age of 8, Florence got her wish to take piano lessons, after her mother noticed she was singing all the songs on the radio by heart. The piano became one of her lifelong passions. The family was transferred to Wheeling, West Virginia as her father, Dr. David Marks worked for the Federal government as a meat inspector. There she fell in love with another lifelong passion: languages. Spanish, French and especially Latin allowed her to explore and dream of a world outside of her small town and Tri Delphia High School. She always joked and said her first real boyfriend was Julius Caesar. Due to WW2, she was denied furthering her piano education at a conservatory. So, she entered the world of Sociology and Education, the few careers that were allowed women at the time. Returning to Detroit, she attended Wayne State University and there she met her first husband, Philip Wedes. She taught 5th grade at Key School in Oak Park for 31 years. She was always proud that she was the only teacher with a piano in her room. She was an educators' educator. She empowered her students to think beyond the classroom. She went beyond the ABC's and taught her students languages, the love of the arts and inclusion way before it was "in". She inspired many students throughout her life. They often kept in touch with her and told her how they were successful because of her love of learning and zest for music and theater. Her second marriage was to Dr Louis Citarel, a chemist and musician. They played beautiful music together for over 25 years. Florence finally got to travel to all the places she only read about in books or languages that she spoke. Their home was filled with lively conversation, books, and music. She was a member of Temple Emanu-El in-Oak Park. She had two bat mitzvahs. When asked why two bat mitzvahs, Florence quipped, "just wanted to make sure God heard me." This was the humor she possessed. She loved volunteering at her Temple. She was also a member of Na'Amat. Her love of knitting was legendary. She would knit something for everyone she met - friend or stranger. Florence has gifted her children and grandchildren with the same curiosity, creativity, and love of travel. She leaves behind her sister, Dolores "Lollie" Bennish, children Deborah (EJ) Nowinski of Houston, Lloyd (Joan) Wedes of Houston, stepchildren Judy (Lendl) Pitts of California and Michael (Elena) Citarel of New Jersey. She also leaves her grandchild, Skyler (Maggie Zepp) Nowinski of Minneapolis. Her sister-in-law Genevieve Mao in Chateau Neuf, France, beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends all over the United States. Her grandson, Dustin proceeded her in death. Much thanks to her beloved care takers who loved her as much as the family did. Vita datur nobis, a natura breve est, at memoria bene consumpta est vita aeterna" (The life given us by nature is short, but the memory of a well spent life is eternal - Cicero )

Florence Marks Wedes-Citarel

August 27, 1927 - July 3, 2021