Marilyn Hersh

September 17, 1919 - December 22, 2013 Born in New York City on September 17, 1919, Marilyn was the daughter of famed Dance Director Seymour Felix who staged Florenz Ziegfeld's Broadway Musicals and won an Academy Award in 1939 for his work on the movie, "The Great Ziegfeld" which chronicled the life of the great showman. Ziegfeld brought the family to California in 1930 when he began producing films in Hollywood . Marilyn and her family settled into the Chateau Marmont for a year before settling into Beverly Hills where Marilyn grew up. Before becoming a professional dancer during the 1940's, appearing in several Mickey Rooney/Judy Garland films, and other Hollywood Musicals, Marilyn attended Beverly Hills High School and USC . Marilyn was married for 58 years to Robert Hersh who predeceased her In 1998. Bob and Marilyn met at John Burroughs Junior High , also attending Beverly Hills High School and USC together. They married in Taft, California at Gardner Field on Valentine's Day, 1942, prior to Bob going overseas to fly P 38's in the South Pacific. After the war, the family founded the Westward Ho Markets which thrived for nearly 50 years. Marilyn was a tireless volunteer throughout her life. She worked at St. John's Hospital in the ICU for nearly 22 years and followed with nearly 25 years at the Venice Family Clinic. She served on the board of the St. John's Guild, Les Maraines, Soujourn Center, and the City of Hope. Bob and Marilyn were 35 year members of the California Yacht Club where they enjoyed many years of friendship and fun on their beloved boat, "Bobilyn". Marilyn was well-known for her staging many CYC events including theatrical performances. Marilyn's loved animals. She rescued a stray and spent hours tracing them to their owners. Her beloved Bichons brought her much joy during her struggle with Alzheimer's. Marilyn leaves her two daughters, Judi (Thomas) Welch, and Dr. Pamela Harmell. She is also survived by her five grandchildren, Eric Davis (Rachel), Heather Oscarson, Jill (Patrick) McArthur, Kristin (Michael) Mayes, Holly (Blaine) Parker, Erik (Sharon) Welch and 10 great-grandchildren, Cole and Noah McArthur, Jonlyn Oscarson, Hudson, Duke, and Caroline Parker, Madison and Mason Mayes, Isabella and Colin Welch. Donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Assoc or the Lange Foundation or the animal rescue organization of your choice. There will be a private family service at Hillside Memorial Park. Marilyn's amazing energy, love of animals, fabulous party-giving, and sense of humor will be well- remembered by all who knew her and will miss her.