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Marcia Ascher Obituary
Marcia Alper Ascher was born April 23, 1935 and grew up in Middle Village, Queens, NY, in a home built by her grandfather. Her talent in mathematics was recognized early and she was transferred from her local elementary school to a NYC run school for intellectually gifted children. After high school at Forest Hills, she attended Queens College (CUNY). A few months after graduation, she married Robert Ascher who had just completed his draft obligation in the U. S. Army. The following fall (1956), Marcia and Bob started graduate school at the University of California, Los Angeles. They moved to Ithaca in 1960, where Marcia had accepted a faculty position in mathematics at Ithaca College. She was one of the founders of the Mathematics Department at I.C., but was particularly proud of starting and chairing a program in planned (independent) studies. Marcia retired in 1995 at the rank of professor and was appointed professor emerita. She collaborated with her husband, working at several archaeological sites in the U. S. and abroad. Her three books pioneered the inclusion of small scale cultures in the traditions and history of mathematical thought. For many years she ventured from her summer home in Seal Harbor, Maine to enjoy hiking and sailing in and about Arcadia National Park. Throughout the seven years of her struggle with multiple cancers and several other serious medical issues she never - not once - complained about her condition. Her quiet, calm, unassuming demeanor and her sense of humor was a balm to her husband of fifty seven years and to others who knew her. She will be missed.
Funeral services will be held Thursday June 13, 2013 at 1:00 PM at the Temple Beth El, with Rabbi Scott Glass Officiating, Burial to follow at Lakeview Cemetery. Bangs Funeral Home will be assisting the family.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to either Innocence Project 40 Worth St. NY, NY 10013 or Mazon: A Jewish Response to Hunger. 10495 Santa Monica Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90025
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Memories and Condolences
for Marcia Ascher
Tom Archibald
August 12, 2013
This is very belated, as I just learned of Marcia's passing. I knew her "only" professionally through involvement in history of mathematics, and I just wanted to let the family know, though they will have heard if from others, how important her contributions to that field have been over the course of her life. I recall above all the spirit and determination with which she defended her views about ethnomathematics to more traditional scholars who denied its importance. Quite apart from her inspirational influence on many lives, this work will live on and continue to have influence through subsequent echoes in the scholarly world. We will miss her.
June 13, 2013
Dear Uncle Bob,
Aunt Marcia was a gifted scholar, a role model in her field, a courageous heart,kind of spirit and your soulmate. Please accept our thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathy. jackie and family
Althea
June 13, 2013
Dear Ascher Family,
Please accept my sincere condolences during this difficult time. In order to cope, you can be comforted by what God promises at 1 Kings 17:17-24.
June 12, 2013
Dear Bob,
Marv and I are so sorry to learn of Marcia's passing. She will always be remembered for her kindness, intelligence and friendship. May you keep your wonderful memories.
Marv and I are sorry that we cannot be there with you-we are now in the Chicago area.
Again, our condolences.
Susan and Marvin Adleman
Elaine Leeder
June 12, 2013
I am so sorry! She was a gracious and lovely woman and both of you made a significant contribution to the field of ethnomathematics. She will be missed.
Barbara Ruggiero
June 12, 2013
Mr. Ascher,
You have my deepest sympathies in the loss of your wife. It sounds as if you two had a wonderful life together. May those memories comfort you now. Your wife was my Math Prof at IC back in1964, and I thought then she was a special woman. She was born to teach.
Barbara J Ruggiero
Vilma Santiago-Irizarry
June 11, 2013
Bob,
My thoughts are with you. I hope you find comfort in memories of love and companionship.
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