Marna Ruth (Bernstein) Dolginoff, z"l, passed away peacefully in her villa at Village Shalom on March 22, 2023, one week after turning 94 years old.
She is lovingly remembered by her children, Donna (Dolginoff) Katz (Dr. Dennis Katz) and Steven Dolginoff; grandchildren, Jamie Katz (Brady Warshawsky), Becky Klinkenborg (Joe), and Hannah Dolginoff; and great-grandchildren, Jacoby Warshawsky, Alex Klinkenborg, Weslyn Warshawsky, Maya Klinkenborg, and Olivia Klinkenborg. As her family grew, she soon became the family’s beloved “Nana” and showered her love on them. Each and every child, grandchild and great-grandchild felt Nana had a special place in her heart just for them.
A graveside service was held on March 24, 2023, at Mt. Carmel Cemetery.
Marna’s amazing life’s journey was long, full and accomplished. Here are a few snippets of her remarkable life.
She was born on March 15, 1929, in Kansas City, Missouri, to immigrant parents, Joseph and Hanna “Wienshienk” Bernstein. She moved between St. Louis, St. Joseph, and Kansas City, Missouri during her childhood. She lived with her parents, sisters, and her Balba basically raised her. While she grew up during the Great Depression, her family was always giving to others, which sparked a love of giving back. She graduated from Southwest High School and attended one semester at University of Missouri, where she played clarinet in the marching band. She was in Phi Sigma Sigma sorority both in high school and college.
She worked as a “Girl Friday” at several doctor’s offices until she met the love of her life at a citywide dance at the Playmoor Ball. She married Wesley J Dolginoff, z"l, a captain in the army during World War II, and remained married to him for 58 years until his death in 2008. She was a devoted housewife and mother, but her passion was volunteering. She was president of multiple school PTAs, involved in National Council of Girl Scouting, board member of Johnson County Commission on Aging, active in Johnson County Area Agency on Aging, active life member of Hadassah, den leader in Cub Scouts, active member and past Sisterhood president of Congregation Beth Shalom, started a Jewish Girl Scout troop, member of B’nai B’rith Women, and board member of Black and Gold at Johnson County Community College. Over the years, there were many other organizations to which Marna would never say “no”. She was always helping others — strangers, friends, family, animals — and had many organizations that were near and dear to her heart.
Marna was the matriarch of the family; she made sure that the family shared every Friday night Shabbat and celebrated every Jewish holiday together. Everyone was welcome at “Nana’s table.” She never knew a stranger — always welcoming and helping those who wanted a delicious home cooked meal and a place to celebrate.
She was a social butterfly, always active and “on the go” — she had far too much to live for, always showing her enthusiasm and passion. She was a very active member and past president of Congregation Beth Shalom in the 1990s, where she won a Koved award for her leadership. Marna and her friends saw a need in the community and started Beth Shalom’s Lechem committee, an interfaith effort to feed the hungry, which serves hot lunches seven times a year at St. Mary’s Food Kitchen in Kansas City, Kansas, even winning an award from the city for her leadership. As she stated so eloquently, “we are our brother’s keeper and that’s what we are here for. We all have a purpose in life and I think my purpose is to go out in the world and help others.” Even as she got older, she continued her passion of volunteering and leading activities for herself and other residents at Village Shalom.
Marna’s love for family motivated her to carefully connect with relatives from all over the world and when possible, attend every momentous occasion. Her life was a blessing to all.
Donations may be made in her memory to Planned Parenthood of Greater Kansas City, Hadassah, Blue Valley Special Olympics or the charity of your choice.
Online condolences for the family may be left at louismemorialchapel.com.
