MARJORIE RACHLIN

1922 - 2021

RACHLIN Marjorie Rachlin Marjorie Rachlin, 99, passed away peacefully on August 22, 2021 in her DC home, with family and friends at her side. Born in 1922 and raised in a Cleveland business family, she earned her B.A. at Wells College, then took a job with a publisher in New York City. There she encountered a labor union periodical that led to her career of over 50 years in the labor movement. Marjorie dedicated her life to the labor union movement, to the support of women's rights, to sustaining the environment, and to support of the arts. Marjorie began her union career in labor education in 1947 at the Textile Workers of America in NJ. After a Fulbright year in London studying labor relations, she moved to DC where she was Education Associate for the International Association of Machinists for 8 years. She co-authored with Larry Rogin the 1968 book "Labor Education in the United States," the first comprehensive survey on the subject. In 1970, she joined the George Meany Center for Labor Studies in Silver Spring MD, where she taught programs on teaching techniques for union officers and staff and led leadership programs for women union members for more than 30 years. In 1988, she was recognized with a scholarship in her name for her seminal contributions to the Southern School for Union Women. Marjorie's advocacy as a feminist included support of women's causes and women candidates for office. According to Ellen Malcolm, founder of Emily's List, "Marjorie Rachlin was a passionate advocate for helping women run for office. She found so many ways to lend a helping hand and cheer them on. The Congress of the United States looks different today because women like Marjorie Rachlin stood up and said, "I'm going to change that.'" After retirement, Marjorie followed her love of nature to volunteer with the invertebrates at the National Zoo, to advocate for bird habitats in Rock Creek Park and elsewhere, and to write nature articles. She brought her legendary intellectual curiosity and leadership skills to book clubs, art museums, community organizations, and social and political causes. Most importantly, she enjoyed spending time with her friends. Her husband Jack Rachlin passed away in 2017. She is survived by her sister Nancy B. Allchin of Baltimore, and by nieces and nephew Carol, Nancy Joy, and Douglas Allchin. She will be missed by her grandnieces and grandnephews along with countless others of all ages whose lives have been enriched by her love, guidance, and example of audacious and outspoken advocacy for truth. A memorial service is planned for September. Memorial contributions may be made to Bread for the City, Southeast Center, 1700 Good Hope Road SE, Washington, DC 20020.A memorial service is planned for September. Memorial contributions may be made to Bread for the City, Southeast Center, 1700 Good Hope Road SE, Washington, DC 20020.