Marcia Lee (Shore) Hess

Marcia Lee (Shore) Hess, age 88, passed away on October 15, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. After a long and courageous battle with dementia, she is now at peace.
Marcia was born on February 28, 1937, in Columbus, Ohio, to Irving and Selma Shore. She graduated from DeVilbiss High School in 1955 and went on to attend the University of Michigan, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. After graduation, she began her teaching career at Shaker Heights, where she met the love of her life, Rolf Hess. The two were married on August 28, 1960, and recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.
Marcia and Rolf shared a deep love of travel and cherished time spent at their lake home on Round Lake, Michigan at Island Park. They joyfully hosted family and friends for holidays and spent their winters at Hunters Run, Boynton Beach, Florida.
Marcia was a devoted mother to her 3 children never missing an activity her kids were a part of. She enjoyed sitting by the sidelines cheering them on and attending all their events. As her grandchildren started activities, Grammie was there supporting them as well. And her famous quote was always “And Grammie never says no”!
A trailblazer in her community, Marcia was the first Bat Mitzvah in Toledo at Congregation B’nai Israel and was honored as Woman of the Year in 1972. She dedicated over 30 years to teaching at Ottawa Hills Schools, where fifth grade was always her favorite. Marcia later earned her master’s degree in Reading from the University of Toledo as well as taught speed reading there.
A devoted University of Michigan fan, she proudly served as a member of the Camp Council at her beloved Camp Michigania and was active in Hadassah, the Toledo Opera, and many parent-teacher organizations. She also loved playing bridge and MahJong with friends. Her students fondly remember her well-known classroom tradition — if Michigan won, she wore maize and blue; if they lost, she wore black.
Marcia is survived by her beloved husband of 65 years, Rolf; her children Robin Flaum (Michael), Jodi Hess (Jane Spurgeon), and Jerel Hess; grandchildren Wesley Flaum, Dr. Taylor (Claire) Stone, Jacob Spurgeon-Hess, and Callie Hess; her sister Dr. Nancy (Jim) Belknap; her brother Dr. William (Shira) Shore; and many loving nieces, cousins, and dear friends.
Marcia will be remembered for her kindness, warmth, and dedication to family, education, and community. Her legacy will live on in all those whose lives she touched.
Services will be held on Sunday, October 19th, 2025 at The Temple Shomer Emunim at 12:30. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be sent to Temple Shomer Emunin or The Alzheimer Association.  
 

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