Marie N. Ackerman

Marie N. Ackerman, AIFD, PFCI, AAF, 60, of Allentown, formerly of Oklahoma City, OK, passed away Thursday, January 28, 2021 in the Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Allentown a daughter of the late William F. and Nannette J. (Wieand) Ackerman. Marie was graduate of William Allen High School and received her certificate in Floriculture/Horticulture from the Lehigh County Vocational Technical School. She began her career in the floral industry by working as a floral designer for the Phoebe Floral Shop, Allentown (1977 – 1985). She joined American Floral Services, Oklahoma City, OK as the Director of Education and Special Projects, where she managed the AFS Education Center with additional responsibilities in book and magazine publishing until 2000. From 2000 until 2016 Marie served as the Vice President of Educational Services for Teleflora. In this position she managed the Teleflora Education Center, oversaw copy editing for two monthly publications, presented at a variety of National Design Symposia and State and National Floral shows, and developed containers for retail florists. Marie also managed, coordinated, and conducted Teleflora Live! (2006-2007), AFS Great American Design contest (1989-1993). In the floral industry she was known as a creative leader with deep experience in product design, floral education, publishing (The PFD Manual, The PFD Wedding Manual, The PFD Sympathy Manual, The Profit Minded Florist, AFS Selection Guides, AFS Tributes Flowers to Express Sympathy, Flowers for Your Wedding, and the Teleflora Selection Guide) and for her inspiring floral stage presentations and practical profitable design ideas. She was a member of the American Institute of Floral Designers, Professional Floral Communications International, and the American Academy of Floriculture. Marie was the recipient of the Tommy Bright Award in 2002 and the Award of Distinguished Service to the Floral Industry in 2003. She was a woman of strong faith. Marie was a former member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Oklahoma City, OK and a member of Nativity Lutheran Church, Allentown. Marie enjoyed sewing, quilting, making handmade Christmas cards and interior design. Her nieces will always treasure the attention she put into wrapping their Christmas gifts. She will be remembered for her BIG heart, great sense of humor and her exuberance to make people laugh until they cried. Marie will be missed by all who knew her.

Survivors: Brothers, Mark L. and his wife Barbara Ackerman of Allentown, Matthew A. and his wife Patricia A. Ackerman of St. Charles, IL; sister, Donna L. and her husband Bradley T. Hibshman of Allentown; nieces, Jennifer, Sydney, Katherine, Lauren and Brigid.

Services: Private at the convenience of the family. Interment will be in the Grandview Cemetery, Allentown. A celebration of Marie's Life will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Stephens Funeral Home, Inc. Allentown. www.stephensfuneral.com.

Contributions: St. Paul's Lutheran Church 10600 North Council Road, Oklahoma City, OK 73162 or to a scholarship that will be established in Marie's name to provide the opportunity for up-and-coming gifted floral education students. Checks can be made payable to the Stephens Funeral Home, Inc. 274 North Krocks Road, Allentown PA 18106.