Marian Green Remembered for Her Generosity, Inclusiveness and Kindness

Over 50 friends, neighbors and colleagues gathered at Scarsdale Library on Sunday November 1 to remember slain friend and advocate Marian Green. Susan Matula opened the ceremony saying, “She was a gift to this community who was taken too soon, but the years she did live were rich. Let us focus on that today.”

Though Green was well known in Scarsdale for her leadership of CHILD, (Children Having Individual Learning Differences), and the Advisory Council for People with Disabilities, many knew little more about her.

Matula shared that Green was raised in rural New Jersey primarily by her mother who lives in Florida. Green was devoted to her and travelled there every six to eight weeks to visit her.

She was a gifted pianist who spent her career years in the retail industry, where she met her husband Stuart who predeceased her. She was devoted to their only child Chester, a son they had late in life.

Among her interests were French cuisine, reading and landscape design.

In Scarsdale she was a “fierce and faithful special education advocate,” and later on the Advisory Council for People with Disabilities she fought for safer conditions for pedestrians and concrete sidewalks.

Her friend Norma spoke as well, saying, “Marian was a hound dog when she recognized that she could help…. I never had the chance to express my admiration and respect for her.”

Joe Lawrence read comments on behalf of Elizabeth Lawrence, saying, “I did not expect to make a new good friend at this stage in life…. Marian met every challenge as if it were an invitation--- with verve and gusto. She appreciated life greatly! Discouragement never lasted long and she could find humor in any situation. … Wherever we went we accumulated ten good friends before we left! She tolerated diverse views and charmed whoever she met.”

“She had a great sense of fairness and saw people with disabilities for what they could be --she did not see what I could not do – only what I could do! … Marion was a shining jewel and I am so grateful our paths crossed.”

Mary Leptak who served with Green on the Advisory Council said, “When I think of Marian, I will always think of clementines. I recently learned that clementines are actually old symbols of generosity and unexpected gifts. That fits Marian so perfectly. She was such a giver. She never showed up empty-handed, and she was always bringing small gifts and treats (including clementines) to our group. It was just her way: always thinking of others. She certainly modeled the official motto of the Scarsdale Schools: Non Sibi (not for oneself). She did so much for others, not thinking of herself.”

“I experienced that generosity firsthand during the pandemic. Stuck inside, teaching my classes remotely while managing my children's online schooling, Marian would call to check in and bring me the specific bread she knew I liked from Costco. When the pools were all closed and the kids were cooped up, she invited us over to swim. She was always showing up with plants, or toys for the holidays, just to bring a little joy into our lives.”

“But her greatest gift wasn't something you could hold. It was the way she made people feel included. Marian had a rare type of kindness. If someone was being overlooked, left out, or misunderstood—especially those navigating disabilities—Marian stood up for them. She used her voice to protect others and to ensure that everyone felt valued.”

“We are going to miss her comforting presence so much. But every time we see these small, bright fruits, let's remember her generosity. Let's remember to look out for one another and stand up for each other, just like she did.”

Anne Moretti, wrote and read the poem, “The Garden We Leave Behind “ which you can read below, and a talented pianist from Scarsdale High School played two pieces in Marian’s memory.

Her friend Ronnie captured the essence of Marian Green with a quote from Maya Angelou, saying, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Susan Matula had everyone in tears with an a capella performance of the song “Tomorrow” which she sang in memory of Marian.