GREENBAUM, Marcia (Goldberg) Age 79 of Essex, MA, passed away on January 19, 2020. Loving daughter of the late Abraham & Rose Goldberg, she is survived by her beloved daughter, Fara Greenbaum, her dear brother, David Greenbaum, and many friends whose lives were enriched by Marcia's generous spirit and warmth. Born April 20, 1941 in New York City, Marcia graduated from Cornell University's renowned School of Industrial and Labor Relations (ILR) and went on to become a distinguished arbitrator. A true believer in mediation and arbitration techniques as a means of solving societal problems, and an advocate for using dispute resolution to prevent violence in schools as well as the workplace, Marcia was a trusted mentor to many in her field and held numerous leadership positions, including as President of the Society of Professionals in Dispute Resolution. Over the course of her long career, Marcia received many accolades, including the Pioneer Award from the Society of Professionals in Dispute Resolution's New England chapter, the Cardinal Cushing Award from the Labor Guild of Boston, and, in 2019, the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Labor and Employment Relations Association. Among other key achievements, Marcia helped create dispute resolution systems for newly emerging countries in Eastern Europe, served on a panel focused on the contentious 1993 dispute between Continental Airlines and the Airline Pilots Association, and played an integral role in the path-breaking Arbitrator Development Program for Women. Marcia loved to travel, delighted in helping people in her family and community reach their fullest potential, gave wonderful gifts, and was a proud member of Temple Ahavat Achim in Gloucester. Her kindness, curiosity, and hearty laugh will be missed by all who knew her. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, private graveside services were held at Mt. Jacob Cemetery, Gloucester. Sharing written remembrances & condolences during this time will be essential in helping the Greenbaum family reminisce, celebrate, and heal. Please share your memories by visiting www.torffuneralservice.com. In lieu of flowers, donations in Marcia's memory may be made by visiting giving.Cornell.edu and contributing to The Cornell Promise Annual Fund Scholarships for The School for ILR. Torf Funeral Service 151 Washington Avenue Chelsea, MA 02150 617-889-2900

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Published by Boston Globe from Jan. 21 to Jan. 22, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for MARCIA GREENBAUM

7 Entries

Ken Perea

February 2, 2021

I first met Marcia back in 1987 when I first entered the National Academy of Arbitrators of which she was already a member. Marcia was even back then a well-known and highly respected arbitrator and someone I deeply admired due to her national reputation. It seems hard to imagine today that she was one of only a handful of women who had at the time been accepted into the NAA! Quite an accomplishment to be sure.

Because of her warmth and genuineness, I felt immediately welcomed and at home in the NAA. She was truly a great person and we will all miss Marcia deeply but will remember her goodness and lasting contributions to the arbitration profession.

New Canaan, Ct resident

January 26, 2021

Dear Marcia’s entire family and friends,
I did not know her but she was an
arbitrator for a case in Ct. I followed
that article with a search for her Legacy.
What a truly amazing individual and
a true loss for all of us. Her kindness
and generosity is a reflection of what
is truly good in this world, especially today.
Please accept my deepest sympathies on her passing. May
Marcia rest in eternal peace.
Sincerely,

Alan & Vanessa Symonette

Planted Trees

Sharon Henderson Ellis

January 24, 2021

I think we all assumed our dear Marcia would always be here as such a large part of the arbitration profession. And so, her passing is especially surprising and painful.

In my opinion, Marcia knew everything and, more than that, she was always warm, welcoming and willing to help.

There are many memories of Marcia. She and I had a memorable trip together to an ABA winter meeting in Florida. And, as those of you who attended past annual AAA meetings, may remember, Marcia always loved lounging pool side. I often enjoyed joining her, there.

Going way back, but I think you'll remember this, Fara, your mom and you came to an Academy meeting in Vancouver, BC. If I recall correctly, you and your mom extended that trip into a whole travel adventure, together. Later, Marcia exclaimed her pride in your love for dance and probable career. Fara, the dream you recounted at today's memorial service, was so apt. Having roomed with Marcia a few times, I had to suppress a giggle.

It will take some time to register that Marcia has passed. I will miss her warmth, her laughter and her generosity.

joan Greenbaum

January 24, 2021

Marcia was both an inspiration with a fantastic sense of humor. I want to tell a funny story:

Sometime right before the turn of this century I had been invited to Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland to give a speech based on a book I had written about labor and technology. I thought that the question and answer was going very well, until a voice in the last row asked a really difficult question. Instead of saying 'I don't know', I tried to answer, and the voice waved a hand and argued why I was not answering the question. The voice sounded familiar, but still I couldn't place it in Ireland. At last the voice jumped up and said--"Joan, let me explain". We both laughed and the audience couldn't figure out what was going on. I introduced them and said" dear audience, welcome to a Greenbaum family meal", and Marcia and I went out for a drink and dinner. She was incredible!

Jack callaci

January 22, 2021

I am a a long time union rep. I have argued many cases before Marcia for over 35 years. I use her first name not out of disrespect but affection. How could you not become friends with Marcia not withstanding the formalities and seriousness of the business at hand?I would like to share a recent story.
Last summer we had a case together. On a break I was complaining that I wasn’t able to visit my 91 year old mother and share a simple pleasure with her. I complained that I hadn’t been to NYC to go to a kosher deli where I would get a corned beef sandwich, my mother pastrami and the we’d cut our sandwiches in half and swap.
Well wouldn’t you know, Marcia was in our office on another case shortly thereafter and she brought me a delicious pastrami sandwich from a kosher deli!!!
How beautiful that between conflict and serious advocacy there was time for kindness, humor and generosity.
Whether you call her Arbitrator Greenbaum or Marcia, she is a lasting example to all of us to advocate honestly and as best you can but find time for humor, decency and generosity.
It was my pleasure to know her. I will miss her greatly. I will try to honor her memory by passing on a pastrami sandwich from a kosher deli to someone else. Love Jack

Diane Rincones Hess

January 22, 2021

Dear sweet friend Marcia. I will remember all our wonderful times at Chautauqua as members of the Porch Potatoes. Sharing recipes, playing Mahjongg, going to wonderful concerts at the Amphitheater. Your suggestion with legal challenges. Your laughter will be missed on the Keystone Porch. Condolences to your Daughter Zara who you delighted in sharing her life’s adventures to her brother and family. I’m profoundly sorry for your loss
Diane Rincones Hess. Keystone Chautauqua friend.

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