Community volunteer, preservationist Marlene Jaffe service set for Sunday
MARLENE JAFFE, a community volunteer for several classical arts organizations and an avid preservationist, passed away at her home on Sunday September 4, 2016. She was 76.
Marlene Jaffe
A graduate of the University of Rochester and Hunter College, she returned to school and received a master’s degree in Art History from Washington University. She enjoyed a successful career in the field of art conservation of textiles, and served as a member of many conservation boards and committees, and worked at Colonial Williamsburg, the Smithsonian American Indian Museum, among others, and served as assistant director of the Textile Conservation Workshop in Salem, NY.
Born in New York City, Jaffe lived in Scarsdale, NY, where she primarily raised her family before moving to St. Louis, MO. She and her husband moved to New Orleans in 1992.
An active member of the French Quarter community, she was a strong supporter of New Orleans art and conservation. She served as commissioner (and deputy chair) of the New Orleans Historic District Landmark Commission for more than 10 years and started a city-wide textile conservation working group. She was passionately involved with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, served as chair of Symphony Volunteers, and worked tirelessly for the Symphony Book Fair and the Encore Shop.
Jaffe was also involved with the boards of French Quarter Citizens, Longue Vue House and Gardens, and was on the advisory board of the New Orleans Opera Association.
An inveterate reader, she was a member of three book groups. She was also president of the Tulane University Woman’s Association and a longtime member of the Krewe of Iris. A dedicated Saints fan, she will be remembered by many in her section as the tiny woman marking off every Saints first down with a big yellow finger glove.
With her husband, she worked tirelessly to serve during the evacuation of Tulane University Hospital during and after Hurricane Katrina.
Jaffe had an endless energy for doing the right thing. She traveled the world extensively and had an incredible curiosity for international architecture and community. She frequently opened her home to visitors from around the world, to share the beauty of New Orleans, and her gracious hospitality was widely recognized.
An altruist, she always cared more for others than herself and gave freely and generously to those in need. Her warmth, humor and vivacity was never lost on new or old friends, who were regularly embraced with her big smile, her quick-witted sense of humor, and the strong spirit of caring and kindness she had for all those around her.
In addition to her husband, Bernard M. Jaffe, MD, survivors include her two children, Mark Allen Jaffe of Boston and Debra Lynn Hanzen (Erik) of Edmonton, Alberta in Canada; her sister Sondra Rapp and three grandchildren.
Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday September 11 to be held at Touro Synagogue, 4238 St. Charles Ave, New Orleans. Clergy has yet to be determined. In lieu of usual remembrances, please make contributions to the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra.
Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp Funeral home is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, please visit www.tharpsontheimerfh.com. For more information call, 504-835-2341.
