Margery Burstein

Margery Burstein (1920-2014)Margery (née Wiener) Burstein died at age 93 on 15 January 2014, after a brief illness. She suffered from Alzheimer's disease in her last decade. She was, one of two daughters of Rose and Norman Wiener (her sister, now deceased, was Jeanette W. Rosenberg), and was an enthusiastic first-generation American of immigrant parents. Margery was an avid golfer and bridge-player, a proud homemaker with (claim many) her own distinctive flair; she was fun-loving, with ready generosity. She collected antiques and oddities and followed the arts. She was active in the ELT club (of which her mother had been a founder) and later in Ismon House. She volunteered with the Star Commonwealth, and as the wife of Albion's mayor in the late 60s and 70s - as well as daughter of a 10-term former mayor - she helped promote local projects including Albion's first day care center and the Festival of the Forks.Margery was born at 510 Irwin Avenue, in 1920, and reared, too, in Albion, Michigan. She graduated from Albion High School, attended Gulf Park College in Gulf Port, Mississippi, and graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, majoring in Sociology. She worked, during World War II in hospital administration in Chicago, Illinois. Margery moved back to Albion, with her husband, Victor Burstein, and their three boys, in 1954. She was the quiet partner, as Victor, with a scientific and business background, worked with his father-in-law, then became a local industrialist, and was very active civically. The couple traveled widely, often with other Albionites. In 2004 Margery and Victor moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where they were close to their son Paul and his family of three generations. They enjoyed life, there, and always remained in touch with great friends in Albion.Margery was preceded in death by only two months by her husband; they had recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. She is survived by three sonsPaul (and wife Sharon) Burstein of Mequon, Wisconsin; John (and wife Mariclaire Acosta U.) of Chiapas, Mexico; and Stephen (and wife Mary Burns) of Albuquerque, New Mexico. She was the loving grandmother of Sam Burstein of Colorado, Aaron Burstein (Corie Keets) of Baltimore, Maryland, and Sarah (Craig) Shirley of Mequon. She leaves four great grandchildrenPatrick and Katie Shirley of Mequon, Jacob and Theo Burstein of Baltimore, Maryland. She also leaves a step great grandson, Benjamin Shirley of Chicago.The family is forever in debt to Renata Kubiliute, who provided exceptional care for Margery and for Victor. Dr. Andrew McGown of Columbia St. Mary's Hospital gave Margery insightful care in her final days. For any who wish, donations to the Columbia St. Mary's Foundation are appreciated. Assistance with memorials is available at the Craig K. Kempf Funeral Home, Marshall.A graveside funeral service will be held 10 AM Monday, January 20, 2014 at the Riverside Cemetery in Albion with Rabbi Rob Morais officiating. Local funeral arrangements are by the Craig K. Kempf Funeral Home, Marshall. To leave personal message and sign the online guest book, please visit www.kempffuneralhome.com...