Thoughts About Marcia
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RUBENSTEIN mourns the death of Marcia Horowitz, public relations and crisis communications expert, and loving wife, mother, grandmother, friend and colleague. Over her 41 year career Marcia managed our firm's legal and crisis practices, advising industry titans, major investors, CEOs healthcare and hospital systems, philanthropic organizations and celebrities on their most challenging and high profile communications issues. Marcia was a skilled strategist and a trusted advisor, highly regarded as one of the most accomplished professionals in her field. Marcia led a full life both professionally and personally, infusing wisdom, integrity, kindness and humor into all she did. Our thoughts and prayers are with her beloved family: her husband, Richard Cohen, sons Jared and Adam, daughter-in-law Antonia, and grandson Jayce.
Howard J. Rubenstein, Chairman
Steven Rubenstein, President
RUBENSTEIN Staff
(as printed in the NY Times on February 12, 2020)
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Marcia was the trusted colleague and good friend whose judgment I relied on for so many years in confronting high profile crisis management situations. She was wise and empathetic— always there for us with the right advice and strategy no matter how challenging the problem. I used to refer to Marcia as “my lawyer “ and I meant it. But she was so much more than that and her life really made a difference to all of us who were privileged to have known her. I will miss you good friend.
Gary P. Naftalis, Partner and Firm Co-chairman; Chair, Litigation Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP
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Folks at Rubinstein just alerted me to Marcia’s condition. I am sad to learn of this but I wanted Marcia to know how wonderful and reassuring her counsel was to our firm and to me personally over the years. In her field, it’s not an exaggeration to say that Marcia is and has been an All Star and a consummate professional. We will remember her always with gratitude for all she did for our institution.
Sincerely,
Michael S. Elkin
Vice Chairman
Winston & Strawn LLP
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You are wonderful people who have obviously dealt with a very difficult situation with grace and fortitude. Marcia worked tirelessly for the Museum and to us through some very difficult members. Marcia was a very talented and kind person. I’m touched and grateful for the wonderful offer to have people donate to the Museum in Marcia’s memory.
Bruce Rattner, Chairman of the Board, Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust
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Shocked and saddened to learn of Marcia’s passing. I learned so much from her. She was thoughtful giant and guided me through many issues. A lost for the profession and an unimaginable lost for those who loved, respected and worked with her. Rest In Peace.
Lucia Lee
Senior Director of Media and Public Affairs Mount Sinai Health System
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Please know my thoughts and prayers are with Marcia, you and your sons as you embark on this next phase.
Marcia hired me 10 years ago at Rubenstein and schooled me in the art of public relations + communications. No one is smarter or funnier or gives better and more honest advice. She is deeply loved and admired by so many, and we miss her.
Wishing you strength, comfort and peace.
Warmly,
Carolyn N. Sargent | Executive Vice President. RUBENSTEIN
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I have just learned from Marcia Levy at VOLS that you have been battling cancer, and I wanted to send my warm thoughts to you and to let you know that you are in my prayers. I have always admired your keen instincts about legal risk, and how to manage it for the benefit of the clients you serve so well, and know what an important mentor you have been to so many of your colleagues.
With much affection,
Lisa E. Cleary
Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP
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Thank you for being an inspiration to me and so many others. You are an expert in your field; so smart, thoughtful and strategic. But, it goes beyond this…you also care so deeply about the people who have had the privilege of working for and with you. We have all felt this over the years. Lynn always told me what a special person you were to her, and how much she learned from you. I’ve heard this same sentiment, time and time again, from the Rubenstein team. I am so grateful that we had the opportunity to work together.
I’m thinking of you, and wishing you peace and comfort.
Warmly,
Christa Crane, Chief Marketing Officer at Loeb & Loeb (one of Marcia’s long-term clients)
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Shalom,
It is with sadness I write to Richard and his family. I met Marcia and was touched by her gentleness, softness and genuine care for people from different Faiths. I also experienced both Richard and Marcia hospitality at their home, more than once. Peaceful welcoming place /Home and great food.
In Islam we Believe in One Creator, our belief teaches us to Honor all. This was shown by Marcia and Richard not only in words but most important in their Actions.
We all have come from the same Source and we are headed there. My prayers for Richard and family /Community. May she be received in Honor in the Hereafter, Amen
Dr. Mahjabeen Hassan, American Muslim Women's Association
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It is our honor to know Marcia-world class PR professional, loving Mom and Wife, wonderful friend, great helper of WISE UP and other interfaith initiatives, amongst many others.
She has set an example for the entire community.
In our faith, our tenure on this earth is up to our Creator. It is up to the individual to make the best use of their time and Marcia has certainly demonstrated achievements with qualities and values that has earned her the respect of all that have had the privilege of interacting with her.
With our sincere love,
Yawar and Farnaz
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“Trusted” comes to mind when thinking of words associated with you, Marcia Horowitz.
A trusted leader, boss, mentor, advocate and advisor is what you are to so many. Much appreciated were the off-hours calls and texts in response to breaking (and often urgent) client news or time-sensitive new business queries.
You lead with kindness and were always there to help navigate nuanced situations or lend an opinion as to whether we were adopting the right approach to solving a problem. No wonder people came back to us time and time again— you never steered us wrong.
And you were right about so many things- professional and personal- including the move I made back home to California last year.
I am forever thankful for the opportunity that you gave me to proudly work alongside you and the Rube legal team. I have learned so much from you, appreciate your candor, pragmatism and fair-mindedness, and aspire to build a PR career as robust and respected as yours.
With warm regards and gratitude,
Lynn Trono
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Marcia, we would have liked to see you to say these things face to face, but I hope Rich shares this with you.
We are bereft at the prospect of losing you. You are one of the kindest, most generous people we know, and it truly is a privilege to be your friend. In 1981, when you were at our wedding, who would have charted the course our friendship would take over 40 years? We hope you are comfortable and at peace. We, and the Cornellians (that includes those of us who married in), promise to take the best care of Rich and your family. We love you.
Peter and Susan
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As you know, I knew Marcia as a friend, business client, and fellow Scarsdale parent. Her intelligence, resilience, dedication, and caring were all qualities that enriched the lives of those around her, and are part of the enduring legacy she left us. Please send my love, and expression of condolence, to your family.
Michael P. Zweig, Partner and General Counsel, Loeb & Loeb LLP
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I am so sad to hear this news and I am so grateful I had an opportunity to work with Marcia. I admired her quick wit and excellent advice. She always made you feel part of something special (regardless of the work at hand). She was a fantastic boss. Sending my heartfelt condolences to her family.
Melissa Kvitk
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Dear Richard, Maddy and I send you and your family our deepest condolences. May you draw strength from one another, your friends, and from our tradition to sustain you through these darkest of days. We are out of the country and won't be able to be with you for the funeral and shiva. We are with you in spirit and send you all much love.
David and Maddy Arnow
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I am so sorry to hear about Marcia's passing. She was truly an exceptional person and will be dearly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Linda-Anne Rebhun
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Thank you for the opportunity to add to the many sentiments shared about Marcia. She was a great teacher and advisor in all things media. Marcia became a lifeline to me earlier in my career. I had just started at Loeb & Loeb, and it wasn't long before we had a client media issue that needed her expert counsel. I vividly remember being in the middle of Brooklyn celebrating Bastille Day when I needed her, and of course she was available by phone to help me craft a media response on the fly from the front stoop of some brownstone. For the past 15 years, Marcia has been the comforting and trusted voice on the other end of the phone offering practical, direct and nonsense advice whenever we faced a tough media issue. I will forever be grateful. I extend my deepest sympathies to Marcia's family, friends and of course the entire Rubenstein family.
Fondly,
Jennifer Manton, Chief Marketing and Business Development Officer, Kramer Levin Naftalis and Frankel LLP
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I recently retired as Managing Partner of Kramer Levin after almost 20 years in that role. During that entire time Marcia served as our primary advisor for all major public relation and communication issues. Her advice was always spot on and her judgment impeccable. Moreover, she was a true friend to my firm and me and a pleasure to deal with each and every time. My sincere condolences to her family and to her colleagues at Rubenstein. I am beyond sad about her passing and will miss her dearly. May her memory be a blessing to her family and all those like me who valued her friendship.
Paul Pearlman
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Before I ever even knew Marcia, I'd heard of Marcia. And when I finally met and then had the good fortune to work with Marcia, it was all too clear why her reputation so preceded her: she was a comfort to those in crisis and friend to all she met. We here at Rubenstein all feel her loss tremendously. We were fortunate to have had her for so long in our midst. My deepest condolences and hopes for strength and courage go out to her family at this difficult time.
Margot Olcay, Rubenstein
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Dear Richard, Jared , Antonia, Adam and family,
Losing Marcia is so painful for all of you as well as all of us who had the joy of knowing her. There was nothing quite as special as her beautiful smile, her warmth, her compassion and her kindness. We feel such a lose after knowing her too briefly and we mourn her untimely passing. We wish you the strength to endure this tragedy and we believe that in time you will be comforted by knowing that so many lives were better for having been touched by Marcia. Richard, you and Marcia created an inspiring legacy through your work and effort to create harmony in the world and your love and devotion to Jared, Adam, Antonia and Jayce.
With love and heartfelt sympathy,
Barbra and Gene Hirsh, Friends
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Your grace, courage and warmth will forever inspire us. But we know that your strength, prayers and love will always support your family and loved ones from on high. Love.
Rakhshan & Junaid Chida, Personal friends
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I was so pleased to meet and know you, I feel knowing you were a gift from God. You are such a warm and kind person who touched very deep in my heart as well as the hearts of my family, I guess you did so for everyone who met you by your smile, generosity, willingness to help and give, kindness and care. I am delighted that I was part of your trip to the Middle East. The support and encouragement you have given me and my family will last forever and will keep on reminding me of you throughout my career. Your spirit will keep shining and giving light and hope to everyone who seeks peace in the world, Marcia’s light will be shining forever.
Rodayna Badir, Post-Doctoral Fellow, Hebrew University
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Marcia was there for me during one of the most difficult times in my life. Six years ago we became friends. She was generous with her support for me when others were not. I was able to return the favor. She was one of the rare ones, gifted with both intellect and beauty. I firmly believe she’s controlling heaven now.… Her way!
Cheryl Karcher, Friend
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My deepest condolences to all of Marcia's family and friends. She was a wonderful boss and someone who I admired deeply. She hired me nearly 14 years ago and remained a supporter and mentor. I will never forget that. I will always remember her calm demeanor, even in the face of stress. She taught me everything I know about the PR business. She treated colleagues and clients like friends and stood by them no matter what. She will be missed, and always remembered.
Alex Stockham, Rubenstein
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I am truly blessed to have crossed paths with Marcia! Who thought that a random e-mail from Richard to join the Board of Mentoring in Medicine, Inc. would have blossomed into the nurturing, heartfelt and fun relationship that developed! Marcia was a force of nature-modest, personable, witty and so very impactful. I will always cherish the times we spent together-conversing, dining, laughing, boating and hugging. Next, I will always admire Marcia’s dedication to social justice as a personal passion and her hand-on approach to helping others. She taught low income pre-med college students about communication, branding and self-advocacy. Marcia and Richard sponsored and attended monthly seminars where disadvantaged students interested in a health career share a meal, meet health professionals, celebrate their birthday and listen to an empowering speech. Finally, I will always remember Marcia’s smile with a smile! She would light up a room with her radiance, warmth and genuine compassion. She made you feel so special! Richard and Family, thank you for sharing Marcia with us! Marcia will be very fondly remembered and very, very truly missed!
Lynne Holden, MD President, Mentoring in Medicine, Inc.
Professor, Emergency Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine Vice-Chair, Diversity and Inclusion, Department of Emergency Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine
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Sincere condolences to Marcia's family, colleagues, friends and large network of those who benefitted from her wise PR counsel.
She had a remarkable instinct for nailing the essence of a story, and I enjoyed her terrific sense of humor.
We faced many challenges together, and I'm grateful for the good times shared.
May her loved ones take comfort in meaningful memories.
With Deepest Sympathies,
Laura Hynes-Keller, LHK Communications, LLC
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This is very sad news. I worked with Marcia at RUBENSTEIN during the mid-1980s. She was a gracious colleague, a creative professional, and a profoundly ethical human being. My deepest condolences to her family and close friends.
Robert Crooke, Former Colleague
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Marcia, my friend, have mercy on her. She was as a patient and kind person and I have her in my mind and thoughts.. A big lose for her family and all who knew her. I wish that I had the chance to spend more time with her. Allow me to convey my deepest condolences in my name and on behalf of my family.
Ayman Alhadidi (Amman, Jordan)
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I’m forever grateful to Marcia, both personally and professionally. I’ve been struggling with what to write because there were so many things we did together over the 34 years since she hired me. I learned so much from her and to this day, she was the best person to get advice from on a crisis situation, big or small. I followed her onto many accounts that she was more than happy to “send my way.” Before she forged a path as a great counselor for law firms and legal issues, and then crisis management, she made an impact on non-profits including the Association for a Better New York, The New York City Marathon, and the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. For many years, she was THE person hospitals would turn to with very complicated situations. She would speak before groups of PR practitioners and tell the story of a hospital that removed the wrong kidney, and other nightmare stories that were life or death for the institution itself. She gave the right advice at the right time--day or night, seven days a week. We all learned from her and her experiences. Most importantly, she was a good friend for decades. I always enjoyed our walks to Grand Central filled with family updates. So many of us knew her as a superstar at work, but her pride and joy was her growing family. While I’m heartbroken, I’m smiling about the many milestones we shared over the course of more than three decades and I’m thankful for the memories.
Debbie Raskin, Rubenstein, Friend and colleague
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I am saddened to hear about Marcia's passing. Marcia was my colleague and we worked together when law and residential real estate intersected. She was great to work with; not only was she smart, but she was fun. Meetings would be all business, but after a client call, we would dissolve into personal conversations on the important things -- hair upkeep, shoes, fashion. That she was older than me by ten months bothered her, she'd say. She wanted me to be older than she was! I enjoyed Maria's spirit, her intelligence and her sense of humor. My condolences to her family and to all of us at Rubenstein who miss her.
Barbara Wagner, Rubenstein
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I'm so sorry for the loss of Marcia, whose warmth, humility, humor, intelligence, and earnestness graced every occasion we shared. Marcia was unforgettable--I can still hear her musical voice in my ear. So sorry never to be with her again. Sending wishes for comfort and peace at this sad time.
Joan Saslow, Friend
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Dear Richard & Family, I would like to express my deepest sympathy. I am sorry for your immense loss. I am thinking of you and will keep Marcia in my prayers.
Warm regards
Dilkash Ashraf, Upper Westchester Muslim Society Board Member
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Dear Richard & Family, We are in deep sorrow to hear about your dear wife Marcia's death. Please accept our warmest condolences; we are deeply sorry for your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. We hope you know we are by your side during this time of sorrow. Wishing you peace and comfort during this hard time.
Hasan Arslan, Peace Islands Institute Westchester
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Although I only worked for Marcia for a little over a year, she changed my life forever, and I will always be indebted to her. Being in her presence was a masterclass in professionalism - she was absolutely brilliant, and handled each and every challenge that came her way with razor-sharp intellect, wit, and grace. The thing I loved the most about Marcia (apart from the times when we would just catch up in her office, and talk and laugh) was that she looked out for everyone - Marcia's fierce love for her family was evident in everything she did, and their happiness and wellbeing was always in the forefront of her mind. I am so deeply sad she is gone, but know that she'll be alive in all of the amazing memories we share of her.
Jamie Wylie, Marcia's former Account Coordinator
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Richard, My heart is breaking as I learn about the passing of Marcia. I feel blessed that I met you both when I did and had the wonderful luck of spending so much time with you. Marcia's beautiful smile, sense of humor, patience and tenacity touched me and inspired me as person and as a woman. I await your next visit to Florida when you can enjoy the beautiful home that you and Marcia created together. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Lisa Iacovino, Friend, Design By Design
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Marcia was my first career mentor. Funny, smart, insightful, she gave me opportunities to write press releases and other materials--and to work on one of Howard's accounts. She was also incredibly kind. I was just 25 years old when I began working for her, a two-year-stint, and during that time she helped me through a couple of young-adult "crises." I learned so much from Marcia, and have always looked back at my time at Rubenstein fondly because of her.
Nancy O Rieger, Administrative Assistant to Marcia, 1985 through 1986
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I was so sorry to read about Marcia’s passing away. We were colleagues briefly during the first few months of Mayor Koch’s first term...and a tumultuous time it was. I was so grateful for her company. We kept in touch far too seldom..and for that I am the lesser for that. May the family be comforted by friends and strangers who were touched by her and reach out.
Doris Bergman, Former colleague at City Hall Press Office
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Rich, our constant thoughts are with you and your beautiful family. Just this morning over breakfast with some friends I was sharing the amazing accomplishments and personality of Marcia. There is a lifetime of lessons to learn from her legacy. However the overlying characteristic of modesty and imperceptible is so profound. I am so honored and blessed to be part of this journey. See you soon.
Imam Shaffieq Mohamed
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Hi Richard, I am so sorry to hear the news. Marcia was such a nice woman. She was dedicated to her family, her work and for everything she did. Your visit here has given me the chance to meet and know you very well, I liked both of you and what you are doing is very humane and I am confident you have helped so many people during your journey in life. Marcia and you have given a lot of your time to help and support people and resolve conflicts, so both of you deserve the best.
I will keep my prayers for both of you.
Sincerely,
Dr. Raed Al Jallad (Ramallah)
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Dear Richard, my heart goes to you and your beloved family, Marcia was an amazing exceptional woman, I cherished every moment that I had spent chatting with her. It's been an honor and her legacy will live through her work and dedication that will also continue through the organization that you both launched together. Up until her last days she manged to spread motivation and comfort to all of her family members and friends. May her kind pure soul rest in peace 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Rawan Al-Faquir (Jordan)
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Mom was, in addition to being an all-star professional, a very present mother and best friend to her children. Unless she was in a meeting, she usually picked up on the first or second ring and when she could not pick up, she'd text back asking "is everything okay?" She did a magnificent job in balancing work and raising kids with seemingly very little effort. Many aspects of PR and parenting became second nature to her given her ability to reason, problem-solve, think creatively and offer sound guidance. While childhood vacations were often interrupted by her crisis work calls, she was able seamlessly to put out "client fires" and create order during ski trips, hiking out West, and exploring Europe. No matter what was doing, she was always a loving Mom. Her legacy, to me, will be defined by her years of hard work, community/social relationship-building and devotion to her family .... and, of course, her love of orchids and the wonders of life. She was one of them.
Adam Cohen, her son
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Marcia and I met as neighbors in the Woodridge Lake community in Goshen, Connecticut where we both owned weekend homes. Developing close relationships takes time and it's challenging to make close friendships when you're in your sixties, and particularly challenging when you only see someone on scattered weekends throughout the warmer parts of the year. But Marcia and I had Fitbits and we'd walk around the lake together whenever we were both in Goshen. Three hours of walking allowed us to get to know one another pretty well. We both had sons building their careers and we both had demanding careers of our own. It was easy to be honest and open with Marcia because she was honest and open with me. In spite of her star-studded clients, impressive connections, and notable achievements (which would have made many people a bit arrogant or hard-to-connect-with), Marcia was down-to-earth, supportive, willing to confide her own challenges, and a joy to be around. The depth of our conversations rivaled those of friends I have had for decades. I will always miss her.
Nancy Brennan, Friend
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We are so sorry to hear of Marcia’s passing. We miss seeing you both. I was always so fascinated when being with Marcia because of her positive attitude, enthusiasm, her career, and her ability to make others feel important to her. I wish I could say something that would express how I feel about your loss, but as a famous poet once said, “for the depths, of what use is language”. I didn’t know about all of her accomplishments, I just know I liked her a lot.
Shirley and Bill Dunkin, Woodridge Lake Friends
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Marcia was my boss 15 years ago. She was simply the best. She was so fair and honest. When I made a mistake she didn't sugar coat it - but also didn't make it a big deal. To have this way with people, to help them learn to feel comfortable with who they were - what a gift she gave me! She must have been a wonderful mother. All these years later I still think of her often, I was so sad to learn of her passing. To her family, please know that she made a tremendous difference is so many peoples' lives. Thank you for sharing her with us.
Elizabeth Fogerty Davis, Fitch Ratings
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Ode to Marcia - The Friend We Lost
We admire you for your humility.
We admire you for your brightness.
We admire you for your confidence.
We admire you for your strength.
You made so many dreams possible…
We thank you for your friendship.
We thank you for your generosity.
We thank you for your guidance.
We thank you for your honesty.
You touched so many lives…
We thank you for your kindness.
We thank you for your trust.
We thank you for your understanding.
You spread love and hope
To so many…
We admire you for your vision.
We admire you for your uniqueness.
We admire you for your courage
We admire you for your perseverance
You helped us accept death with dignity
But, most of all…
You gave us HOPE
With much love from your friends at El Centro Hispano… Isabel and Judith
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A dear friend of the firm, Marcia will be missed. She was smart, a straight shooter, humble, generous and honest. She was a truly good person.
Richard S. Levick, Esq.
Chairman & CEO, Levick (a competitor)
Thank you for your note. In all the current chaos – it made me stop, think, remember and smile. Marcia was one of the great ones – a very special person.
John Lovallo
Practice Chair – Corporate & Financial Communications, Levick
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Rich and family, I am so heartbroken to have learned of Marcia's untimely passing. I will always remember Marcia as a mentor, a colleague, a trusted confidante, a supporter, and mostly a friend. Marcia's "wishes" demonstrate the type of person she was -- selfless, caring and genuine. While I moved to Atlanta almost 15 years ago, and have only seen Marcia once or two times since then, I have thought of her often, and was thrilled for you guys when you became grandparents almost two summers ago. The world is a better place to have had Marcia in it.
Love Terri (Cohen) Young, Former colleague, friend
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My belated condolences to Marcia's family and colleagues. She was a talented and supportive supervisor with a sense of humor that helped me put things in perspective and gain confidence. I've often thought of her through the years. May your happy memories of Marcia sustain you during this sad transition.
Aleandra Ballantine, Former colleague