In Memoriam
Marilyn Frankfurt died on Saturday, January 3, 2004 from cancer. She was a Certified Focusing-Oriented therapist and was on the Board of Directors of The Focusing Institute. She was also a a very loved friend to many of us.
Marilyn took up numerous projects, hosted meetings, made presentations, wrote articles, networked and was a continual support to everyone she came in contact with, including the staff of the Institute. Marilyn's passionate commitment to "felt community" was infectious. Each of us came away from every contact with her feeling more able to go on with our work.
Four weeks ago Marilyn said, "Something completely different is happening in my body. I am dying now." She asked me to go over with her every one of her projects and find the next steps so that they could all be carried on after her death. She continued her activities right up to the last days of her life, including hosting a staff meeting two weeks ago.
I spoke with Marilyn three days before she died. I asked her whether she would like to take a moment and see if there was something she wanted to say. "I am so grateful for Focusing. I feel like I have been in exactly the right place for the last five years. Focusing let me change and grow and become able to be in ways that were just what I needed." This incredibly gracious lady was thanking us!
I and the community will deeply miss her almost daily support. In already feeling the loss I am aware of how she helped move Focusing into the world on a whole expanded level. As a Board member, Marilyn brought in our major funding, which allowed us to greatly expand our outreach. Her work is a large part of why Focusing may remain in history as a significant contribution. I feel that my own dedication to bringing this work to people, now carries forward her life work as well.
Mary Hendricks-Gendlin, Ph.D.
Director
Marilyn and her family have asked that contributions be made to The Focusing Institute in lieu of flowers. You may make a contribution online here or it can be sent to:
The Focusing Institute
34 East Lane, Spring Valley, NY 10977, USA
The funeral service is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday at 11:00 AM.
Details will follow.