Marilyn Kestenbaum of Rochester, New York, peacefully passed away surrounded by family on October 27, 2024.

Marilyn was born in New York City to her beloved parents, Milton and Helen (Kolber) Meyer. She went to New York University, graduating with a B.A. degree in psychology and marketing in 1951. She then landed her first job as a buyer in New York City – kicking off her lifelong love of fashion.

In 1951, Marilyn met the love of her life – Harold Kestenbaum. They married in 1952 and had two children, Jim and Carol. After initially settling in Newark, New Jersey, they moved to Westfield, New Jersey in 1960. Harold was a pharmacist and owner of Walker Drugs in Irvington, New Jersey. They worked side by side for many years. After Harold passed in 1996, Marilyn became a longtime respected sales associate at Lord and Taylor in Westfield. She moved to Rochester, New York in 2018 to be close to her family.

Marilyn was a woman of many interests – bridge, Mah Jongg, knitting, word games and tirelessly learning new things on her computer. She loved traveling to new places ranging all the way from the Caribbean to Alaska.

Marilyn is survived by her beloved children, Jim (Alyce Martinez) Kestenbaum and Carol (Gary) Levy; grandchildren, Sarah (John) McInnes, Max (Alyssa Apperson, fiancée) Kestenbaum, and Rachel Levy; and great-grandchild, Jack McInnes. She leaves her very dear friends, Erna Kahan and Ann Clark. The family would like to sincerely thank the wonderful staff at the Jewish Home at the Summit and Cottage 3, and Rochester Regional Health Hospice Care – with a thank you to a very special person, Suzanne.

Marilyn’s burial will be private in New Jersey. Donations in her memory can be made to: Rochester Regional Health Hospice Care, 330 Monroe Avenue, Suite 400, Rochester, New York 14607. (WEBSITE)