On February 24, Marian F. Davidson Mandell Jacobson celebrated her 90th birthday. Like the hub of an ornately carved wheel, Marian connected many friends with each other for years, always inclusive and welcoming to her culturally active life. She grew up in West Roxbury and Brookline, settling in Newton in the early 1960s (still living in the same house today), where she supported many Democratic candidates. She was campaign manager for long-term mayor Teddy Mann, a teacher at the Cabot School in Newton, and later a Trust Officer for Bank of Boston. An active volunteer and member in many local Newton organizations over six decades, she was on the Board of the Newton Pride Committee and an elected Democratic Ward 3 member for many years.
In fitting tributes, Middlesex Sheriff Peter Koutoujian presented Marian with a citation in person, Mayor Ruthanne Fuller in absentia sent a certificate of recognition, and State Senator Cynthia Stone Creem in absentia sent an official State Senate citation of recognition. “Like moths to a flame,” Marian was surrounded by a roomful of family and friends sharing laughter, good wishes, and many memories of their lifetime adventures.
Long known for her hats and outfits adorned with campaign buttons, her whimsical style prevailed on her special day when she appeared as Wonder Woman. With her signature flair and sense of humor, as Wonder Woman, she stated, “I wonder where my eyeglasses are, I wonder where my keys are…” She indeed embodied a matriarchal superhero. She exemplifies the old adage of “do not measure the years of your life, rather the life in your years.” And at an age and quality of life we all hope to achieve, like the song in Rent, she can “measure your life in love.” We wish her many and always more.
Melinda Gordon
West Newton