Marlene Jaffe

Marlene Jaffe passed away at her home on Sunday September 4, 2016 at the age of 76. A graduate of the University of Rochester and Hunter College, she returned to school and received a M.A. in Art History from Washington University. She enjoyed a successful career in the field of art conservation of textiles, and served as a member of many conservation boards and committees, and worked at Colonial Williamsburg, the Smithsonian American Indian Museum, among others, and served as Assistant Director of the Textile Conservation Workshop in Salem, NY. Marlene spent her early years in New York City, and lived in St. Louis, MO and Westchester County, NY until she moved to New Orleans in 1992. In her marriage with Bernard M. Jaffe MD, she raised her children, Mark and Debbie, primarily in Scarsdale NY. An active member of the French Quarter community, she was a strong supporter of New Orleans art and conservation. She served as Commissioner (and Deputy Chair) of the New Orleans Historic District Landmark Commission for more than 10 years and started a city-wide textile conservation working group. She was passionately involved with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, served as Chair of Symphony Volunteers, and worked tirelessly for Symphony Book Fair and the Encore Shop. She was also involved with French Quarter Citizens, Longue Vue House and Gardens, and the New Orleans Opera Association. An avid reader, she was a member of three book groups She was also President of the Tulane University Woman's Association and a longtime member of the Krewe of Iris. An avid Saints fan, she will be remembered by many in her section as the tiny woman marking off every Saints first down with a big yellow finger glove. With her husband, Marlene worked tirelessly to serve during the evacuation of Tulane University Hospital during and after Hurricane Katrina. Mrs. Jaffe had an endless energy for doing the right thing. She traveled the world extensively and had an incredible curiosity for international architecture and community. She frequently opened her home to visitors from around the world, to share the beauty of New Orleans, and her gracious hospitality was widely recognized. Marlene always cared more for others than herself and gave freely and generously to those in need. Her warmth, humor and vivacity was never lost on new or old friends, who were regularly embraced with her big smile, her quick-witted sense of humor, and the strong spirit of caring and kindness she had for all those around her. Marlene never met a stranger, many of whom love her and will miss her dearly. She is respected by many as being the role model for how a woman can live her life. In addition to her husband, Bernard M. Jaffe, MD, Marlene is survived by their two children, Mark Allen Jaffe and Debra Lynn Hanzen; her son-in-law, Erik Hanzen; her grandchildren Alex Steven Jaffe, Max Lewis Jaffe and Jonah Silver Hanzen; her sister, Sondra Rapp; her nephews, David Gersten and Eddie Fischer; her nieces, Melanie and Pearl Fischer and Jodi Scheer; and adopted "son" Randy Sherman, MD. She is predeceased by her parents, Herman and Valley Lambert and her sister, Nadine Reborchik. Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service at 4:00 pm on Sunday September 11th, to be held at Touro Synagogue, 4238 St. Charles Ave, New Orleans. In lieu of usual remembrances, please make contributions to the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra (www.lpomusic.com), Marlene's favorite charity. To view and sign the family guestbook, please visit www.tharpsontheimerfh.com.