Marlene Borman, a resident of Birmingham, Michigan, died on February 5th, 2025 at the age of 89. Funeral services arranged by The Dorfman Chapel.

Location of Service:

The Davidson/Hermelin Chapel of Clover Hill Park Cemetery

Date of Service:

Friday February 7th, 2025

Time of Service:

3:00 PM  

Interment at:

Clover Hill Park, 2425 E 14 Mile Rd, Birmingham, MI

Officiant:

Rabbi Harold Loss  

Shiva Information:

The family will be gathering following the interment until 7:00PM in the Clancy Room at the Townsend Hotel, 100 Townsend St. Birmingham MI 48009 Phone: (248) 642-7900.  
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Charitable contributions:

Hebrew Free Loan
6735 Telegraph Rd.
Bloomfield Hills, Michigan 48301
Phone: (248) 723-8184  

Family Members:

MARLENE BORMAN WIFE, MOTHER, SISTER, COMMUNITY LEADER, PHILANTHROPIST AND BUSINESSWOMAN

Marlene Borman died on February 5th, 2025. She lived an extraordinary life devoted to family, friends, and community.

Born in Minneapolis to Ethel and Harry Jaffa, the family moved to Detroit in the early 1940s. After graduating from Central High School at the top of her class, Marlene attended the University of Michigan class of 1954 and has been a proud Wolverine ever since.

In 1955, Marlene married Paul Borman, beginning a legendary 66-year marriage. Following Paul’s Army service in California and Illinois, Marlene and Paul returned to Detroit where they raised their three sons, Stuart, Gilbert and Eric. Marlene was an unwavering force in the Detroit philanthropic community. She served as President of Hebrew Free Loan, President of the Women's Division of the Detroit Jewish Federation, and Board Member of the American Joint Distribution Committee. Marlene co-founded the Alzheimer’s Association Chocolate Jubilee in honor of her dear mother, Ethel Jaffa. The event is now over 40 years strong. In addition to her philanthropy, Marlene traveled the world and always found her way to Israel, one of the places she loved the most.

Closest to her heart were her weekly Shabbat dinners and holiday meals she lovingly prepared for her extended family. Her table became a beacon for close friends and relatives to convene, greeted by Marlene’s warm smile and dependable dishes, always making her guests feel special.

Marlene is survived by her three sons, Stuart (Hilary) Borman, Gilbert Borman, and Eric (Julie) Borman, her grandchildren, Molly (Larry Heymont) Borman, Hannah (Marc) Crane, Harry Borman, Samuel Borman, Jonathan (Whitney) Borman, Alex Borman, and her adorable great- grandchildren, Henry and Porter Heymont, Claire and Stella Crane, as well as her brothers, Richard (Sheri) Jaffa and James (Irene) Jaffa and her brother-in-law Leonard (Roberta) Borman. She adored and was loved by her many nieces and nephews, and she kept close family ties with her Jaffa family relatives all over the country. The family wishes to also express their thanks to Marlene’s caregivers, Mary Granger, Amanda Gorsline, Natalyia Borschand Josie Richardson.  

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