Marlene Schuman
Marlene Schuman (U. City class of ’65), born 1/7/47, and ready to pass all torches she was fortunate to carry in her time, departed her physical vessel (one month and two days past her 72nd birthday) at 9:15 a.m. on February 9th, 2019. Her will to live and her pursuit of equality and justice (for all) continued until her last moments when she peacefully transitioned from our earthly realm to the spiritual and cosmic ether.
Marlene was a 1st generation – of another era – Russian, Jewish, lesbian feminist mother, white social justice and anti-racist activist, de-escalator of conflict, teacher, mentor to many, wordsmith, philosopher, more than a critic; she was a creator, a sketch artist, poet, and prolific writer for more than 50 years.
For more than 40 years she engaged in all forms of social justice, including, but not limited to: issues concerning womyn, lesbians, the LGBTQ community, people of color, immigrants, class, ability, employment, housing, and health.
She saw fire and rain – sunny days she thought would never end – lonely times when she could not find a friend – but she always knew she’d see her social justice community again. You saw her through to her last days of an aching body yet undaunted spirit; you saw her through to the end!
She leaves behind her beloved and devoted partner of 23 years, Grace du Maine; sisters, Toby Schuman and Bonnie Schuman (Yasmine Robinson); surrogate sister, Sallie du Maine; children, Rachel Trice and Joshua Grey (Andrea); nephew, Ross Schuman (Sonja Lawson), niece, Tania Beasley-Jolly (William); great nephew, Miles Jolly; surrogate niece, L’ena A. O. Jackson; nine first cousins, Lenore (Ron), Steve (Sandy), Anita, Morrie(Julie), Paul, Myrna, Rachel (Paul), and Larry; chosen family, Linda Claire Fixman, Janey Archey, Terri Coats, Sylvia Vera-Leon, and Tony Vera-Leon; a large persistent change making social justice community, many friends, comrades, cousins, and children born into a world to carry on.
Please bring your stories, thoughtful readings, or just yourself, and celebrate with us Marlene’s life, work, writings, and pursuit of justice and equality for all on Sunday, February 24th, 2019 from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. at First Unitarian Church (5007 Waterman Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63108), a church that served as a shelter of peace and refuge for Ferguson protesters and whose members believe that Black Lives Matter. Donations in Marlene’s name per your individual choice are welcome to the Organization of Black Struggle (obs-stl.org), PayPal: www.obs-stl.org/donate, Anti-Racism Organizing Collective (facebook.com/ARCSTL/), Arthouse St. Louis (paypal: arthousestlouis@gmail.com), Bay Area writer and immigrant activist, Jessie Sandoval (paypal.me/featheredpebble), and First Unitarian Church (firstuustlouis.org).
Condolences to the Schuman family. During this difficult time may you all be comforted by happy memories. Allow God to strengthen you because he cares for you…1 Peter 5:7
I worked with Ms Schuman years ago at Brittany Woods. There was never a kinder, gentler soul on this earth than she was. She was an unrelenting light in a difficult profession, never too busy for a moment of support and a bolstering word. She will be deeply missed on this earth.
Toby,Bonnie and family, Tracy and I want to offer our condolences toa ll of you. It is a little difficult these day s to get around. Not in the best of health. So I wish everyone better days. Again sorry for your loss.
I’ve been thinking about many of the conversations Marlene and I had. No matter what we were discussing, whether we agreed or disagreed, I always knew I was talking with a friend. She was indeed a great advocate for the rights of everyone. She wrote spirited poetry that carried a profound message. But most of all she was the best friend anyone could have. I was lucky enough to be her friend.