Marion Skip Gross

Marion Skip Gross went to join the love of her life Richard Dick on Wednesday, December 10th, 2014, 11 months to the day of his passing. She was born in New York City June 17,1929 to Anna Greenberg and Samuel Alexander. Her childhood trips to Rockaway Beach fostered her lifelong love of the ocean and swimming. She graduated from Jamaica High School where she was active in debate, honor society, yearbook and a member of the swim team. She worked as a counselor at Camp Berkshire where she developed her passion for sailing and acquired the nickname Skipper. While in nursing school at Lennox Hill Hospital she met her husband of 61 years when he visited New York on his way to skiing in Vermont. As her New York relatives always said, he swooped in out of the west to whisk her away to Toledo. Marion embraced Toledo as her home. As a nurse she was instrumental in setting up the Neuro ICU at Toledo Hospital and worked at Planned Parenthood, as well as serving on the Board for many years. She also actively participated in and supported the Jewish community locally  and around the world. But her true passion was her family and friends. A consummate entertainer she created amazing, memorable parties for hundreds of holidays and events.  She loved establishing family traditions such as game playing, including cribbage, poker and scrabble, pickle making, attending Camp Michigania and Thanksgiving festivities. A jock at heart, Skip loved golf and tennis as well  the freedom of her convertible, skiing, roller coasters and traveling the world with her beloved husband Dick. Music was an important part of their lives together. Skip discovered Dicks great dancing abilities the first night they met, and it continued to be an important part of their life together. They were lifelong supporters of the Toledo Symphony. Marion also pursued her artistic talents through painting, poetry writing, gardening and cooking. She was always reading or listening to a book. Her intellectual curiosity led her to take classes at UT and engage in spirited debates on any subject.  A people person, Skip loved to approach new faces and strike up a conversation whether she knew them or not. Her love of life, thoughtfulness, nurturing and fun loving spirit live on in her children Laurie, Marcia Miller, Polly Collins (Dave), Joe (Cary), her 11 grandchildren and her 4 great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at Temple Shomer Emunim 6453 Sylvania Ave. at 11am Monday December 15th. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Planned Parenthood, the Toledo Symphony, the Sight Center of Northwest Ohio or the Jewish Federation. The family will receive people at the home of Joe and Cary Gross, 5569 Ginger Tree Toledo Monday and Tuesday from 5-8. Arrangements by Walker Funeral Home.