Marion was born in the Bronx in 1935. Her father was also born in NY, but her mother was from Minnesota. Marion’s father was a professional musician and traveled all over the country. Most of her mother’s family had moved to Miami Beach so her immediate family lived part of the year in NY and part of the year in Florida. Marion went to school in both cities. She married her husband at the age of 17, and therefore did not graduate high school until her daughter was 8 years old. Marion’s husband was a certified structural welder and was involved in the building of many bridges in NY city, including the Verrazano. The couple did not have children of their own, but adopted a daughter. She has three children and one foster child. After years of continuing the family tradition of living half the year in NY and half in Florida, they finally moved to Miami 47 years ago in order to be closer to family. Marion’s husband passed 20 years ago at the age of 59. Approximately 12 years ago, she moved into the ALF where she is now, but left after 7 years to stay with her daughter. After 5 years, she moved back to the facility. She is now a member of the TOP program. Marion said that the only thing she’s ever learned about Judaism was how to make a Bracha and that she collected clothing for Jews in Europe during WW2. Now she said that she’s learning all about her religion.