Rivian Marcus

Rivian (Dayan) Marcus, age 95, beloved wife of the late Harold Marcus and mother of three sons, Dain, Nochum and Evan, mother-in-law to Tara Dillon Marcus, passed away peacefully on June 24th in Cherry Hill, NJ. Rivian was born January 30, 1929, in South Philadelphia. Affectionately known as Riv or Rivkah, as a little girl she would sing and dance for customers in her Dad's store, Dayan's Bakery. That practice paid off as she later sang with Eddie Fisher on the radio in her teen years.
At 14, she met the love of her life, Harold (Heshy) Marcus. They spent the next 75 years together, with a difficult period at the beginning when Harold went off to fight in World War II. Professionally, they ran Marcus Pharmacy for 25 years and later Rivan Marcus Interiors, a decorating business where Rivian boasted that she had no unhappy customers. After retirement, Rivian and Harold became Para chaplains, leading Jewish services and uplifting people's spirits at retirement communities in South Florida. Rivian became a lecturer on cruise lines dispensing her life wisdom informed by her studies of Transcendental Meditation, and the writings of Louise Hay, Bernie Siegel and many more. She and Harold sailed 25 voyages where they delighted in giving out their feel good, "Hug" cards.
Rivian featured some of her philosophy in her book; Life is a Four-Letter Word: It Takes the Alphabet to Live It which shares her advice for navigating life. Rivian loved to entertain and host gatherings in her home. She also loved animals, especially dogs.
Most important to her was Heshy and her family. Rivian was proud to have raised such wonderful, honest and caring "mensch's." Riv (aka Bubby) leaves behind a wonderful legacy in her grandchildren and great grandchildren:
Grandsons Sholom, Yaakov, Dylan, Daniel and Andrew; Grandchildren Laila (& Shneur Cohen), Great Grandson Boruch, Great Granddaughter Rosie; Grandchildren Meir Marcus (& Lauren), Great Granddaughter Eden, Great Grandson Ezra.
You're invited to celebrate 95 well-lived years graveside on Tuesday, June 25th, 2:00 pm at Locustwood Memorial Park, 1500 Route 70 W., Cherry Hill, NJ (the Cooper Landing Road entrance with bring you nearest to her section). Shiva will be held on Sunday, June 30 from 11:00 – 4:00 pm at 22 Crofton Commons, Cherry Hill, NJ with parking at neighboring Thomas Paine Elementary School. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Animal Welfare Association at www.give.awanj.org.