Marilyn M. “Mickey” Breslau
A Link to view the Livestream Service can be found here.
Marilyn M. “Mickey” (Bornstein) Breslau, 89, of Chestnut Hill, MA, and Hull, MA (formerly of West Newton, MA, and Delray Beach, FL), passed away suddenly but peacefully surrounded by family and her devoted caretaker, Valerie Webbe. Born in Brighton, MA, to Anna Goldman and Joseph G. Bornstein, Mickey was the youngest of three daughters. She attended the Brighton, MA schools and studied at Emerson College.
Mickey was born prematurely on March 15, 1935, noting that she weighed just one pound and ten ounces, and never expected to live to the age that she did — a fact that she was always cognizant of and grateful for.
In 1961, she married Maxwell Breslau, and together they built a life filled with warmth, resilience, and family. Mickey gracefully stepped into a complex and evolving family dynamic, embracing her role as a devoted wife and mother to Max’s three older children whose mother had passed away. She and Max had two children and shared 37 years of marriage until his death in 1998. They made their home in West Newton, MA, where they raised their blended family.
She devoted herself to raising her young children, and as they grew older Mickey went to work at the Dow Jones Company and at The Gillette Company – where she enjoyed the camaraderie, friendships, and the contributions she made.
Summers at Nantasket Beach were a highlight of Mickey’s life for more than 55 years, where she delighted in creating lasting memories with her family. She loved to entertain guests on the porch, whether it was a planned gathering or just folks popping over for an impromptu visit.
Mickey had a unique sense of style, especially with fashion, and she loved to wear bright and colorful clothing. She was a voracious reader with a lifelong passion for all things artistic. A talented artist in her youth, Mickey later explored varied artistic pursuits such as bargello, glass beaded flowers, needlepoint, and other crafts. She also enjoyed lively games of Mah Jong with her friends, which brought her great joy — especially when she won!
Mickey’s life was a testament to resilience, having experienced difficult childhood years, a subsequent number of serious health challenges, and several tragic family losses. Her life was a testament to love, resilience, and creativity. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her, especially her beloved grandchildren who she loved endlessly and who will fondly remember her ear-shattering kisses.
Mickey is survived by her children: Howard and his wife, Jane, of Needham, MA, Ellen Breslau and her husband, Eric Leventhal, of New York City, daughter Jill Breslau of Palmdale, CA, and her daughter-in-law Carol Breslau (Robert z”l.) She was the proud “Bubbie” to her cherished grandchildren Mitchell and Max Breslau, Ava and Will Leventhal, and David and Laura Breslau, and “great-Bubbie” to her great-grandchildren Trevor and Sloane Breslau. Mickey was predeceased by her husband Maxwell (z”l), and their children Wendy Breslau (z”l) and Robert Breslau (z”l.) Mickey was the dear sister of Beverly Adel (z”l) and Roberta Myers (“z”l) and loving aunt to a number of nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will take place at the chapel at Sharon Memorial Park, 120 Canton Street, Sharon, MA 02067 on Sunday, December 29, 2024 at 1:00PM with burial to follow. Immediately following interment, all are invited to celebrate her life at her late residence through 8:00 pm with a shiva minyan at 7:30 pm. Shiva will continue at her late residence as noted below:
Monday, December 30 from 7:00-9:00 pm with minyan at 7:30 pm, Wednesday, January 1 from 7:00-9:00 pm with minyan at 7:30 pm, Thursday, January 2 from 7:00-9:00 pm with minyan at 7:30 pm
In lieu of flowers, donations in Mickey’s memory can be made to: Temple Israel, Hull, MA, or to a charity of your choice.