Mary Weiss

died April 16th, 2016 in Tampa, Florida, of post surgical complications, just shy of her 78th birthday. Mary was born in Cochabamba, Bolivia, reared in New York City, where she attended The Leonard School for Girls until 1954. In 1956 she married Harry Weiss of Montreal, Canada. Married for 59 years, she was a devoted wife and mother. She is survived by her husband Harry and youngest son, Anthony (Nancy) as well as her granddaughter, Amelia, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, Corina (Guzman) Gruenebaum of Bolivia and Arturo Gruenebaum of Germany. She was also preceded in death by her two older sons, Arthur (Jan) in 1996 and Richard (Lisa) in 2014. Mary's life was committed to a tireless mission for finding the cure for Cystic Fibrosis. Mary moved her family to Palm Beach to raise her three boys, all having the life shortening genetic disease. She began her mission to cure Cystic Fibrosis, founding the Palm Beach Branch of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. She, along with her husband was awarded Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth ll Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2013. Mary remained active on a national level until her death. During her lifetime she was recognized by organizations such as Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce, Palm Beach County Medical Society Services, Bethesda Hospital Foundation Women of Grace, Jewish Women of Leadership and Honorary Trustee at WXEL of Palm Beach. Mary was a member of the William Butler Yeats society of Palm Beach. In the summer, if she could get away she went to Ireland to study the poetry of William Butler Yeats. She was an avid Yankees fan and Abraham Lincoln enthusiast, collecting letters and writings from or about the late President. She was recognized for her commitment as a translator to MIMA Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provided surgical medical services in Bolivia and Peru. Mary also gave of herself to the Palm Beach community with various interests. Mary loved classical music whether she was at home or in the car. To show her support she worked the phone lines during fund raising at WXEL public radio. She attended shows at Kravis Center for many years. She spoke internationally about finding a cure for CF and always made herself available to parents of children that were newly diagnosed. She is sorely missed by friends and especially her family. Funeral service and burial at Star of David the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach. Shiva will be held at Congregation Schaarai Zedek 3303 W Swann Ave, Tampa, FL 33609, on Wednesday, April 20th at 6pm followed by a reception and Thursday, April 21st at 6pm. In lieu of flowers please make contributions to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in her honor: Cystic Fibrosis Foundation,5100 W Kennedy Blvd #195, Tampa, FL 33609 (813) 374-9041 or Cystic Fibrosis Foundation 700 S. Dixie Hwy #100 West Palm Beach, FL 33401. (561) 683-9965