Obituary
Lois “Stretch” Marks nee Stern, age 85 of Deerfield, passed away peacefully in her sleep at home on September 13, 2021, after a long battle with Lewy Body dementia. Her devoted husband and best friend of 60 years, David Marks, was holding her hand, as he had throughout all of her struggles. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her cherished daughters Susan Mason (Larry), Ellen Marks (Alex Kandel) and Jami Jacobs (Michael); her adored grandchildren Samantha Renton (James), Sarah Mason, Zoe Mason, Caleb Marks-Kandel, Ethan Jacobs, Ben Jacobs and Hope Marks-Kandel, her brother, Jack T. Stern, Jr. (Mimi) and sister, Jody Heller. She is predeceased by her granddaughter, Verity Marks-Kandel.
Lois was a proud graduate of the University of Michigan. Despite four back surgeries and forty six years of chronic pain, she had an indomitable spirit. She taught an exercise class (Slimnastics) at the Deerfield Park District for more than thirty years. It was as much a stand-up comedy routine and group therapy session as it was exercise. Long after she stopped teaching, she and her former students would gather monthly for dinner or lunch.
Lois was a superfan of her kids and grandkids. When her family members performed, she never missed a performance, art show, sporting event, or recital and cheered on every member of the cast or team along with her family members. She talked to her daughters every day often resulting in fits of giggles.
She knew everyone’s names and life stories, everywhere she went and no one was a stranger. She welcomed all of her children’s friends into her home as if they were family, and some of them still refer to her as “Mom.” Sunbathing was an activity. She loved taking her children and grandchildren to the pool at Bannockburn Club and then Birchwood Club, and any vacation had to include a pool, a beach or both.
Lois and David were completely devoted to each other for over 60 years and were the most affectionate and loving example of true love. They were an inspiration to their family in every way. Lois loved David, her children, grandchildren and friends more than anything in the world.
To keep everyone safe and healthy, a private service will be held on Sunday at 3PM. To attend the funeral live stream, please visit our website, www.chicagojewishfunerals.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to March of Dimes, Donation Processing Center, P.O. Box 18819, Atlanta, GA 31126, www.marchofdimes.com; Lewy Body Dementia Association, 912 Killian Hill Road S.W., Lilburn, GA 30047, www.lbda.org; Jewish United Fund, Ben Gurion Way, 30 South Wells Street, Chicago, IL 60606, www.juf.org; Makom Solel Lakeside, 1301 Clavey Road, Highland Park, IL 60035, www.mymakom.org; Illinois Association for Music Therapy, www.musictherapyillinois.org; or The Salvation Army, 5040 North Pulaski Road, Chicago, IL, 60630, www.centralusa.salvationarmy.org/metro/ways-to-give/
Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals - Buffalo Grove Chapel, 847.229.8822, www.cjfinfo.com
Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals. www.chicagojewishfunerals.com