MARIANNE GOURARY

GOURARY--Marianne. In the late afternoon of Thursday, October 2nd, Marianne Gourary died at age 93 in her Manhattan home. Marianne and her twin brother were born in Munich, Germany in 1920. Marianne and her brother witnessed Hitler and the early stages of Nazism rising in Germany. Their parents, Ernst and Marta Wilmersdoerffer, died of illness in 1929 and 1931. Marianne's brother went to England and Marianne was sent to the International School of Geneva. After graduating in 1941, she attended the University of Geneva, studying biology. She left before completing her studies to marry Orazio Frugoni and after a few more years in Europe, they both immigrated to New York in 1949. Friends have described Marianne as a force of nature. When she was a young woman in Switzerland, her nickname was "La Bise," the fierce wind that blows off Lake Geneva. Her comments could be acerbic, and her observations astute. She spoke her mind and the truth as she saw it. She also won many people over with her charm, intelligence, elegance and concern. She had many friends who were very important to her. She was a most considerate traveler and guest. Marianne always appreciated beauty. She loved classical music and opera and attended many cultural events. At home the radio was always on with classical music. She and her second husband, Paul Gourary, created a beautiful home in Manhattan that was filled with art and books where she hosted many fine dinners for friends. Marianne spent many summers in Provincetown where she loved to take a daily swim in the bay. Time spent there with family and friends was a source of joy and relaxation. She was a resolute and devoted mother who was very proud of her daughter Corinne and her son John. She had a strong affection for cats and especially appreciated their company during the later years of her life. She was curious, researching and collecting books on many subjects. She was proud to be a citizen of the United States, a Democrat and a New Yorker. As she weakened during the last year of her life, she found great pleasure in the beauty of the trees and flowers in Central Park. Marianne leaves behind her daughter, Corinne Frugoni, her son John Gourary, his wife and children, Jennifer, Justin and Julia, her sister-in-law and nephew and nieces in England, June Wilmers, Peter Wilmers, Catherine Wilmers and Brigit Wilmers, their partners, Carol, Graham, David, along with their children and childrens' children. She was preceded in death by her twin brother, John Wilmers, her first husband, Orazio Frugoni, her second husband, Paul Gourary, her first cousin Eugen Merzbacher and her nephew's son, Harry Wilmers. Gratitude is expressed to the people who enabled Marianne to live comfortably and safely in her home including Stella, Karen Glasser, the staff of 45 East 85th Street and the VNA Hospice. Donations may be sent to The Humane Society of New York City, Bide-A-Wee Pet Welfare Organization or Marianne's favorite radio station WQXR.