12 | OCTOBER 26 • 2023 

saw in yourself what she saw 
in you.”
Refusing to acknowledge 
the proverbial “glass ceiling,” 
Florine pursued her goals 
fearlessly and steadfastly at 
a time when women were 
expected to be homemakers, 
not corporate executives. 
“She created a powerful 
space for women; she gave us 
permission to be CEOs and 
mothers,” said granddaughter 
Alana Fisher.

Her impressive phone 
roster ranged from friends 
and family members to 
foreign dignitaries and high-
ranking government officials 
in several countries, and 
she could solve the knottiest 
problem with a quick call to 
the right person. 
Florine was an eternal 
optimist who maintained a 
positive attitude in the face 
of tough challenges, personal 
and professional. At 36, 
she was a widow and single 
parent of five children, but 
she never abandoned her 
goals or indulged in self-pity. 

She was a constant source of 
comfort and support for her 
sister, (the late) Sondra, who 
developed polio as a child. 
She was not afraid to 
express strong opinions 
or stand up for what 
she believed in, and she 
encouraged her kids and 
grandchildren to do the same.
“She told me that every 
goal is a gamble, but anything 
is possible if you go out and 
get it,” said grandson Aviv 
Lis. “She was young in mind, 
body and soul. She never 
showed signs of slowing 
down.”

FAMILY FIRST 
Last month, she traveled to 
Israel for the wedding of her 
grandson, Mataan, looking 
glamorous and dancing the 
night away.
In a video call from Israel, 
Mataan relayed some of 
the lessons he learned from 
his “Bubbie,” including 
treating everyone like the 
most important person in 
the world, helping others 
whenever possible and 
putting family first.
While Florine took pride 
in her extraordinary business 
successes, leadership roles 

continued from page 11

OUR COMMUNITY
COVER STORY

LEFT: Among Florine Mark’s proudest roles was “Bubbie.” She knew every single thing 
about each grandchild and great-grandchild and attended every milestone event. 
ABOVE: Florine Mark’s greatest joy was her big, blended family. Each family member 
knew how much they were loved.

continued on page 14

