Marilyn Witman, 87, passed peacefully in her sleep on Oct. 19, 2017, at Beth Sholom Terrace.

Born in Bronx, NY, to Nathan and Leah Rapport, Marilyn was married 40 years to Herbert Cooper, deceased 1991. She lived in Queens, NY, then 35 years in Fords, NJ, then in Monroe Township, NJ, and she's been a resident of Beth Sholom in Virginia Beach since 2014. She is survived by children: Wendy FitzGerald (Stephen), Laurie Keller (Chris), David Cooper (Shari), and Cara Cooper; three grandchildren: Sarah & Herbie Keller, and Kelsey FitzGerald; and her brother Paul Evans (Susan) of NYC. Her sister, Dr. Estelle Friedman is deceased. 2nd husband Bernard Witman, deceased, and friend Sy Eichen, deceased. Marilyn is also survived by a large extended family including 10 nieces and nephews, as well as grand and great-grandnieces and nephews, and numerous lifelong friends.

Marilyn was a graduate of Andrew Jackson HS in Queens, NY. She played piano her entire life, never able to read music, playing only by ear. Played dinner music for many years at a NJ restaurant (Charlie's Uncle). Played for 14 years at Nordstrom in Edison, NJ. Wrote music & lyrics. Two songs were performed by French Canadian singer Monique Leyrac, on the Ed Sullivan Show. Also wrote music & lyrics for Elliot Taubenslag's children's theater productions. These shows were performed in East Brunswick, NJ, and also in two theaters in NYC: Jan Hus Theatre (attendees included First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy with Caroline and John Jr. as youngsters), and the Mayfair Theatre, with all six Coopers performing in many productions.

Marilyn also wrote verses for greeting cards for several different companies. She read The New York Times every day, working the crossword puzzles in pen--no easy feat. She was always reading a library novel. Loved to play multiple games of Scrabble almost every day, with whomever would challenge her, and usually won.

Graveside service will be held at 10am, October 26 at Beth Israel Memorial Cemetery, Woodbridge, NJ, with Cantor Aviva Marer officiating. Memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer's Association at alz.org or Autism Speaks at autismspeaks.org.

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