Marianne Arnstein
Oct. 8, 1927-June 30, 2024
Atherton, California

Marianne Lore Kohn Arnstein, a long time Atherton resident and community leader, died on June 30, 2024, at the age of 96. She died peacefully at home, made possible with loving support from her expert team of caregivers

She was born in Nuremburg, Germany in 1927 to parents Robert and Hannah Kohn. Along with her brother George, she and her family left Nazi Germany, arriving in New York City on Thanksgiving Day 1937.

Her family then moved to Spokane, Washington. Following high school, she attended the University of California at Berkeley. While a student at Cal, she met and married Peter Arnstein, a leading San Francisco accountant. Marianne graduated from San Francisco State with a teaching credential.

Marianne advocated for social justice, inclusion and opportunities to succeed. She had a legendary sense of humor. A woman of understated taste, she was never without her signature pastel scarves. Marianne was an avid gardener who cultivated a beautiful landscape on the family property.

Marianne became an executive leader with many community organizations in the Bay Area. Her roles included Board President of the Las Lomitas School District, chair of the San Mateo County Juvenile Justice Commission, President of the San Francisco Bay Area Girl Scout Council, Development Director for Planned Parenthood of Santa Clara County and consultant at The Management Center. She also was an active volunteer for the Committee for Art at Stanford, including the role of Chair.

Marianne raised her family in the same house where she lived for over 65 years until the time of her passing. She is survived by sons John (Jill) and Peter; grandchildren Zachary (Hermine), Ben (Alyssa), Michael, Joseph, Mary Alice, Daniel and Matthew; and great-grandchildren Ava and Milo. She was predeceased by her husband Peter and son James.

Tags: public service