GRINGORTEN, Marion C. (Stark) - Passed away on Thursday April 9, 2020 in Sarasota, Florida.
Marion was the beloved wife of Barry Gringorten.
Loving and cherished Mom to Elyse Chaplin and Marni Lennon.
Loving grandmother of Jared and Jordanna Lennon.
Sister and sister- in-law to Susanne Stark Gerson and Richard Gerson, and aunt to Miles Stark Gerson and Jenny Gerson.
Marion was the cherished daughter of Maurice and Jennie (nee Fidler) Stark (deceased).
Marion had a remarkable warmth and was always eager to welcome friends and family into her home. Marion had a vibrant personality and a special place in her heart for children and animals.
She was an exceptionally talented pianist. As a young person, she trained with Mona Bates of the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. Marion taught her first piano lesson at age 12 and, as an adult, taught piano to neighborhood children in Toronto, sometimes with up to 40 students a week.
A dynamic and creative woman with a passion for the arts, Marion loved her work as an interior decorator and had phenomenal talent and interest in design, architecture, jewelry and fine art. Marion's passion for the arts was beautifully displayed among her many collections that she had acquired while traveling throughout the world with her husband, Barry Gringorten. In 1981, Marion and Barry designed and built their dream home in Sarasota, Florida. Marion was known for her elegance and style - her large white rimmed glasses and beautiful outfits were two of her trademarks.
Marion spent her first thirty+ years of her life in Toronto, Canada. During summers, as a child, Marion spent time at her family's cottage on Lake Simcoe and attended overnight camp at Camp Rockwood. Marion and Barry, who had originally met at Camp Interlochen, married on Siesta Key Beach in Sarasota, Florida in 1980 - Barry and Marion had an exceptional love and commitment to each other and Barry's daily visits during the last ten years of Marion's illness were a testament to their love. She was supported, loved, and cared for by her daughters, Elyse and Marni. Despite experiencing early- onset dementia, Marion still found reasons to smile despite many years of living with this condition.
The family is forever grateful to the wonderful team of caregivers, many of whom cared for Marion for many years and became a part of our family. Marion will be deeply missed by her family and many friends. Her legacy for kindness and devotion to her loved ones will always be cherished and remembered.
A burial service will take place for Marion inSarasota Florida at 1:30pm EST on Tuesday April14, 2020 and can be viewed at https://www.facebook.com/RobertToaleAndSons/ The family plans to honour Marion's life at a later point in time in Toronto with our family, close friends, and loved ones. A personal message on the website condolence book would be especially welcome at this time.
In lieu of flowers, please send a contribution in Marion's memory to "The Marion Stark Gringorten Memorial Fund", Interlochen Center For the Arts: Attention: Carlton Ford, P.O. Box 199, Interlochen, MI 49643.
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