Lasting Memories
Jane Marcus
Oct. 20, 1948-Nov. 24, 2017
Palo Alto, California
Jane Marcus, longtime resident of Palo Alto and Menlo Park, passed away unexpectedly at age 69 at her 2nd home in Fort Bragg, California. She leaves an enduring legacy as a scholar, activist, mother, spouse and friend to the many people whose lives she touched.
Born in New York City to Rita and Norman Marcus, she was raised in Baldwin, Long Island. Jane graduated from Chatham College in 1970, received a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Pennsylvania in 1972 and earned a doctoral degree in Administration and Policy Analysis from Stanford's School of Education in 1985. She was a longtime employee in the Information Technology Services group at Stanford.
Jane married Lew Mermelstein in 1974. They lived in Philadelphia until 1976 when they taught at the American School of Isfahan, Iran. Arriving in California in 1977, they settled in Palo Alto where they raised their son, Marc, and daughter, Molly.
Jane served on the board of Palo Alto Children's Theatre, Congregation Beth Am Women for three terms as president and six years as board member of the Women of Reform Judaism. Jane was a founder of Beit R’fuah (House of Healing), a mental health support group at Beth Am, which has served as a model for groups at other synagogues in the Bay Area. She was a board member of the Bay Area Jewish Healing Center.
Jane was a longtime activist for the reform of the nation’s drug policies. She was a founding member of the Interfaith Drug Policy Initiative and a vital proponent in the passage of Proposition 215. Jane was also a Huffington Post blog contributor.
Jane will be deeply missed by her husband Lew; son Marc; daughter-in-law Jenn; daughter Molly; mother Rita Marcus; sister Jo Ann Cagen; sister-in-law Ricki Moskovitz; aunt Vivian Feldstein; and countless others whose lives were better for having known her.
Aug. 30, 2020
I was greatly saddened to learn of Jane's passing; I have thought of her many times since we last crossed paths at Stanford. She was an inspiring and engaging leader in technology and education and the world is richer for her having lived. May her memory be a blessing.
Feb. 13, 2020
Nov. 11, 2019
I only just learned of Jane's death. We met in a Weight Watchers' group, and she enticed me to join an exercise group that met at SLAC. I made many lovely friends in that group, even when we were no longer exercising together. I am so sorry to hear she is gone. My condolences to her family.
May 6, 2018
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Feb. 21, 2018
Back as a very young mother of a new born, Jane was my very first friend in Palo Alto. I was searching for an identity about how to be a newly married young mom who had previously had no domestic experience. Jane became my perfect role model. She did not have kids yet but she was a great blend of domesticity, frugalness (she cut out coupons), career aspirations and generosity. I wanted to grow up and just be like her! (she was one year older). I wish I had been a better friend is my biggest regret. I will miss her greatly.