Florine Bender Marks

Florine Bender Marks, nee Simon, passed away on July 18, 2026. She was the beloved wife for 307 months to Henry “Hank” Marks; devoted mother of Lisa Bender (Jeff Mermelstein) and Howard (Kathie) Bender; proud Bubbe of Wolf Mermelstein, Rabbi Hannah Bender, and Juniper Bender; loving sister of the late Richard Simon (Sharon Sterling) and stepsister of Irene (Sidney) Papernick and the late Sandy Nicholson; treasured aunt of Jon, Noah (Julie), Jennie, Ethan, and Matt; dear great-aunt of Rosie; cherished friend of many. She was preceded in death by her late husband, Norton Frederick Bender. Florine was born and raised in University City, MO. She was a lifelong nurse in all settings, starting at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis in 1961, and ultimately earned her Master’s in Healthcare Administration in 1996. Starting in 1981, she committed to needlepointing all Chagall 12 Tribes of Israel windows. With some long breaks due to macular degeneration, she was successful, with the last one completed in 2024. Florine was an avid traveler- with family, friends, and sometimes alone – she was always up for an adventure, anywhere around the world. In retirement, she was a volunteer and docent at the Illinois Holocaust Museum. You could find her in a swimming pool, current events class, reading group, the opera, theater, or symphony. Flo was a wife, mom, nurse, baker, chef, docent, gardener, master embroiderer, adventurer, philanthropist, activist, and an extraordinarily beautiful mensch to all that knew her. From her famous homemade pies and “Bubbie Rolls” to thoughtful, intricate craftwork and simple, caring messages over the phone, Flo shared her love in many forms. She was strong-willed and a brilliant, thoughtful partner. Not afraid to tell you what she thought, Flo always led with honesty and care. Flo knew that love was not only in grand gestures but in consistent support and small, everyday acts of care. She will be missed dearly by anyone whose path she crossed. Instead of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The ARK at www.arkchicago.org or to the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center at www.ilholocaustmuseum.org. Graveside service Wednesday, July 22, 3 P.M. at Westlawn Cemetery, 7801 W. Montrose Avenue, Norridge. For a link to view the service, shiva information, and to leave condolences: www.shalommemorial.org, 847-255-3520.

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Service Information

Service : Wednesday, July 22nd at 3:00 pm
Service Location: Graveside Service -Westlawn Cemetery

Interment:
Westlawn Cemetery
7801 W Montrose Ave
Norridge, IL 60706