I am posting this because people have asked me to. Emily Rose Marcus was born on December 10, 1969, in Alta Bates Hospital in Berkeley. It was a forceps delivery, and she came out with bruises on her face, yet she lived her life as a woman who prized beauty—in fashion, her own sense of style, furniture, art. Following her beloved uncle Dr. William E. Bernstein, she chose a death with dignity, and died on January 31, 2023, in her apartment in Oakland, where she had lived since 2007, after more than two years fighting against a terminal diagnosis of appendiceal cancer she had received in September 2020. Our hearts are broken.
Dear Greil and Jenny, I am a friend of Jo Anne's and have heard her rave about you and your daughters ever since we met over 40 years ago. Thank you for writing this, Greil. How wonderful that Emily had such a loving and devoted family who appreciated her. I am so sorry for your loss.
What a huge loss for you, your immediate and extended family. She sounds like she approached life with gusto, and it was cruelly cut short. My deepest condolences; as we say here, "Kia kaha" - stay strong.
My sincere condolences on Emily’s passing Mr. Marcus. Emily and I dated briefly in what I think would have been 2010 when we both lived in Oakland. I have a photo of the two of us plus Cecily and her husband and first born playing at Playland (Children's Fairyland) in Oakland. Emily was brilliant, talented, generous, and kind-hearted. She introduced me to some incredible music and food. Rest In Peace Em’. And thank YOU for all of your writings over the years. I’ve always been a big fan.
Sincere condolences to you and your extended family. It has been decades since seeing you or your daughters, but I have very good memories of all of those interactions. I just recently came across this site of yours, and sadly saw this recent news. It seems she led a very full life, and that is all we can ask for, for our offspring. Take good care, Michael Conen
Our babies are our babies however old they get. I wish Emily Rose had had more time, and I hope y'all find comfort and peace in each other. It sounds like she was very loved and knew it.
As I read your heart-breaking message yesterday, Dylan's recently re-released "Make You Feel My Love" was playing from the laptop I was using. And the room, the desk, the window... all just broke.
Like most who follow your work, you and I will likely never meet. But it's true that shared thoughts in most any venue create bonds, and those connections can be sad. They can also be warm.
From your audience, here's a word of care: Kindred.
Emily Rose Marcus 1969-2023
Dear Greil and Jenny, I am a friend of Jo Anne's and have heard her rave about you and your daughters ever since we met over 40 years ago. Thank you for writing this, Greil. How wonderful that Emily had such a loving and devoted family who appreciated her. I am so sorry for your loss.
Shifra Sharlin
God bless. May her memory be a blessing.
Thank you, Greil. Thank you, Jennie. Thank you, Emily.
Thank you, Greil.
th
This made me tear up a bit. thanks for writing it… Emily is in my thoughts!
A beautiful tribute to my oldest friend. Deep love and blessings. Bekka
What a huge loss for you, your immediate and extended family. She sounds like she approached life with gusto, and it was cruelly cut short. My deepest condolences; as we say here, "Kia kaha" - stay strong.
Beautiful, Greil. My condolences. Sending you and yours all the love.
🖤💜🖤💜🖤💜🖤💜
My sincere condolences on Emily’s passing Mr. Marcus. Emily and I dated briefly in what I think would have been 2010 when we both lived in Oakland. I have a photo of the two of us plus Cecily and her husband and first born playing at Playland (Children's Fairyland) in Oakland. Emily was brilliant, talented, generous, and kind-hearted. She introduced me to some incredible music and food. Rest In Peace Em’. And thank YOU for all of your writings over the years. I’ve always been a big fan.
Love this so much, Greil. Thinking of you, Jenny and Cecily. Sending all my love, Belle.
Sincere condolences to you and your extended family. It has been decades since seeing you or your daughters, but I have very good memories of all of those interactions. I just recently came across this site of yours, and sadly saw this recent news. It seems she led a very full life, and that is all we can ask for, for our offspring. Take good care, Michael Conen
Our babies are our babies however old they get. I wish Emily Rose had had more time, and I hope y'all find comfort and peace in each other. It sounds like she was very loved and knew it.
Safe journey Emily Rose may angels watch over you.
Deepest condolences to you Greil and all your family.
Greil:
As I read your heart-breaking message yesterday, Dylan's recently re-released "Make You Feel My Love" was playing from the laptop I was using. And the room, the desk, the window... all just broke.
Like most who follow your work, you and I will likely never meet. But it's true that shared thoughts in most any venue create bonds, and those connections can be sad. They can also be warm.
From your audience, here's a word of care: Kindred.
May your grief pass gently.