Marcia (Zimmerman) Okun

Marcia Zimmerman Okun, 93, passed away peacefully at home in Chicago, Illinois, on May 3, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on June 3, 1932, in Toledo, Ohio, to Eva and Phil Zimmerman.
Marcia graduated from Scott High School and went on to attend The Ohio State University, where she was an active member of Sigma Delta Tau Sorority, serving as both Social Chairman and Vice President.
In 1954, she married Donald T. Okun, and together they shared 64 beautiful years of marriage filled with love, laughter, and devotion. Marcia was a natural performer, participating in theater during her college years and later appearing in local productions. Among her favorite roles were Hope Harcourt in Anything Goes and Madge Owens in William Inge’s Picnic.
Marcia loved music, especially Rock-n-roll, and she was over the moon meeting and getting a kiss from Elvis Pressley (always her favorite) at one of his concerts in Las Vegas. She also loved Broadway musicals, going to New York City as often as possible to see revivals of the old classic shows; and she loved dancing, wherever and however possible, often participating in dance contests – and most often winning.
After her children began elementary school, Marcia returned to school herself, earning master’s degrees in both psychology and education. She was soon recruited by the Ottawa Hills School System, where she began as a school counselor. After a brief hiatus, she returned as a substitute teacher and was offered a temporary second-grade position. She quickly discovered her true passion in the classroom.
Recognizing her extraordinary talent, Principal Marge Slayton offered Marcia a permanent position teaching sixth grade, where she remained for nearly 30 years. Marcia profoundly impacted generations of students, leaving a lasting impression not only through education but through her compassion, wisdom, and unwavering support. Throughout her life, former students and their families would so often approach her to express their gratitude for the difference she made in their lives—a legacy she cherished deeply.
In addition to her teaching career, Marcia worked closely with the University of Toledo as a liaison for student teachers, overseeing the student teaching program at Ottawa Hills Elementary School. She also participated in the university’s “Great Authors” program, graciously hosting visiting international authors in her home while they were traveling the country on press tours.
Marcia was an active member of several Toledo organizations, including The Toledo Country Club, The Toledo Club, and Glengarry Country Club, and she was a lifelong member of Temple Shomer Emunim.
Following Don’s retirement from The Sam Okun Produce Company, Marcia and Don relocated to Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, where she enjoyed and embraced her golf and tennis. Above all, however, her greatest joy was her growing family.
Marcia is survived by her daughter, Laurie Bornstein (Neil), and her son, Sam Okun; her grandchildren, Xander Max Okun, Randi Born (Jordan), Lindsay Kaplan (Jamie), and Jacki Block (Sam); and seven great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Larry Okun (Marcy). She was preceded in death by her loving sisters, Adair Silverman and Lois Romanoff.
Her son Sam shared, “Mom was one of a kind—truly unique and special. Everyone who met her felt it. My sister Laurie and I were sometimes a bit jealous of the attention she gave to her thousands of students over the years. She always made time for them—day or night—whenever they called asking for her wisdom and guidance.”
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to Temple Shomer Emunim.
A Memorial Service will be held at Temple Shomer Emunim on Sunday, June 28, 2026 at 10:30 a.m.  where family and friends will gather to celebrate Marcia’s remarkable life.  Friends and family are invited to a Meal of Condolence immediately following the Memorial Service on June 28th.  If you will be attending the Meal of Condolence, and/or would like to contribute to the Meal of Condolence, please email Lynn Nusbaum at lnusbaum@templese.com or call The Temple office at 419-885-3341.
 

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