Marjorie Anne Rothstein

She was born on November 21, 1946 in Washington, D.C. to Amy Ellen Schutt Mason and A.J. Mason, a descendant of George Mason, Founding Father and delegate to the U.S. Constitutional Convention of 1787.

Marj is survived by her husband of 54 years, Dr. Jerome P. Rothstein; daughters, Susan O’Neal, Dr. Emily Collins (John) (Merion Station, Pennsylvania), and Nancy Rothstein, Esq.; son, Adam Rothstein; and grandson, Samuel Collins.

Growing up in Maryland, Marj treasured the cultural diversity and patriotic spirit of our nation’s capital. As an only child of parents who lived a vibrant social life and traveled regularly with friends, she understood how deep relationships enrich our lives. Among her closest friendships were her first cousins, who were like siblings to her throughout her life.

Following graduation from Washington Hospital Center, School of Nursing, Marj worked as an RN at WHC where she met Jerry. They were married on October 6, 1968 in Cape Coral, Florida. Marj lived with her mother and became a Pediatric Intensive Care Nurse while Jerry was in Vietnam. Following Navy service in Newport, RI, Jerry and Marj moved to Jacksonville where they established their home of over 50 years.

As a wife and mother, Marj was purposeful. She cultivated an active and enriching home in which their family grew, leading by example as a woman of strong character, kindness, determination, resilience, resourcefulness, and humility. The ultimate nurturer, she sought to understand her children as individuals and fostered a unique relationship with each. She was a phenomenal cook and holiday host, and instilled in her children a love for animals, music, and lifelong learning. As “Mum Mum” to her only grandson, she shared a special bond with Samuel, and his stories and photos were always the most important news of the day. Jerry and Marj were best friends, facing challenges as a team, supporting each other, and finding joy in just being together - whether they were traveling for the U.S. Navy, building an Oral Surgery practice, exploring new places such as Paris and Alaska, or just sitting together by the pond at River Garden Hebrew Home. Their extraordinary connection and adoration for each other was evident, always.

Marj constantly thought of others and how she could help them. Her selfless acts and ingenuity conveyed her sincerity and intelligence, and in her professional life and community service, these qualities strengthened her ability to meet the needs of others. She served Northeast Florida counties for Vision-is-Priceless Council, impacting the eye health and vision of those in need, people of differing abilities, and children. Volunteer leadership of PTA was a priority of Marj’s throughout her kids’ school years, serving as President multiple times and earning several nominations for Duval County Volunteer of the Year. As a volunteer and board member of Children’s International Summer Villages, Marj hosted children from all over the world, and worked with corporate donors to provide a quintessential Florida experience to our visitors. Marj and Jerry were also active members of the Jacksonville Seminole Club, serving together as the board’s Chair of Scholarships for FSU students from Duval County. In every stage of her life in Jacksonville, Marj invested in our community and the people in it, from the early days as a Co-Troop Leader of Brownies and a volunteer at Gan Yeladim Preschool, until she was no longer able to serve in her roles as the Vice-Chair of the local Citizen’s Planning Advisory Committee and as a volunteer for Community Hospice.

A service will be held at Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Road, Jacksonville, FL 32218, on Thursday, July 27, 2023 at 1:30 pm. The VA asks that guests arrive early, but not before 1:00 pm. A reception will be held from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm at the family’s home.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Jacksonville Humane Society in memorial to Marj would be particularly meaningful.