Arlene Marks

November 25th, 2023

Arlene was a treasure. My wife Jane and I became related to her from our daughter Elizabeth’s marriage to her grandson Sam Schmetterer. Among our many enjoyable times with Arlene, one of the most memorable was taking her to the Art Institute of Chicago a few years ago, on what was her final visit there. She was a warm, creative and outspoken woman of strong character. But most of all, she was a beloved mother and grandmother who deeply loved her family and friends. Arlene is an inspiration to us all and she will always be warmly remembered.

~Phil Mullins
~My son-in-law Sam Schmetterer’s Grandmother, Berlin

November 7th, 2023

I met Arlene at Howard Brown in 1988. Arlene was a volunteer for me at AIDS Walk Chicago for three years. We remained friends after that.

My partner David Barlow looked forward to her art shows and our lunches and dinners, both in restaurants and at our houses in Chicago. She was a good and kind friend!

~Stephan Donovan
~Friend, Tucson, Arizona

November 5th, 2023

I have such fond memories of Arlene, and the entire Marks brood. Growing up a few blocks away, BFFs with Ilyse, I saw Arlene a lot as a kid and was always amazed by her creativity, warmed by her affectionate nature, and tickled her sometimes silly sense of humor. She was a wonderful friend to my mom, Phyllis. They shared a love of art, movies and books, as well as a strong commitment to feminism, civil rights, and progressive politics. Arlene’s legacy as an artist is truly impressive, and equally impressive is her legacy as a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. I know you will miss her, and I will too. My sincere condolences, and love to you all.

~Vicki Weiner
~Family friend, Brooklyn, NY

November 4th, 2023

I sill have fond memories of holiday parties at the Marks home: Rosh Hashana, Thanksgiving, and Passover. Memories of playing and running the halls with Laurence and Ilyse. I still regret never finding the afikomen, but reading The Four Questions as the youngest was fair compensation. Arlene was such a wonderful mom to all and the best party host. I am so sorry for your loss and my thoughts are with you all at this difficult time. –Howard Borchew

~Howard Borchew
~Cousin, Saratoga, CA

November 4th, 2023

My memories of growing up with “Aunt” Arlene and family are and will always be fond ones. She truly was like a second Aunt as well as “Uncle” Jerry. We shared a love of art together and I always admired her talent. She even bought me my first portfolio I used for many years. May her memory be a blessing and the beautiful art she created enjoyed by her family and future generations to come.

~Rob Kahn
~Family friend, Deerfield, IL

November 3rd, 2023

Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss. Arlene Marks was a wonderful person and I’ll miss her very much.

~Halina Haag
~Friend, Roselle

November 3rd, 2023

To the Marks family,
I was sad to read about Mom. I will always remember her with a smile on her face and a kind word for everyone. She was a great neighbor, lots of wonderful memories.
May her memory be for a blessing.
Gloria Taussig

~Gloria Taussig
~Friend, Highland Park