Among the tidbits of wisdom that Merle Tabor Stern used to pass on to family and friends was that you’re never too old to reinvent yourself. Another was to always find a reason to celebrate life.
A photographer, teacher and realtor, Stern passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Friday, Dec. 26, in Southern California. The Baltimore native, who lived in Corona Del Mar, California, was 83.
Born to Hannah and Daniel Tabor, Stern married shortly after graduating from the University of Maryland and taught first grade before starting her family. She eventually returned to the University of Maryland to earn a master’s degree in education and child development.
Later, Stern decided to become a professional photographer and co-founded a commercial photography studio in Maryland. After relocating to California, she opened her own portrait studio. Her work was exhibited around the nation and won multiple awards.
In addition, Stern was a commercial art consultant and served as a docent at the Orange County Museum of Art in Costa Mesa, California. She also helped develop enrichment programs at senior centers and congregations, and launched an ovarian cancer awareness organization.
Following in her mother’s footsteps, Stern earned her realtor’s license and was an active real estate agent in Orange County.
In her spare time, Stern enjoyed traveling, entertaining guests and cooking.
“With an unending drive for life, Merle was always up for a party and fun,” her family posted on the website of Sol Levinson & Bros. “She was a travel enthusiast who made friends everywhere she went. Despite four separate cancer diagnoses from her 20s until she was 80, Merle faced each cancer undeterred, enduring aggressive treatment and thriving, determined to squeeze more life and adventure into each passing year.”
Stern is survived by her children, Stacey Stern (Scott Bergman), Jeffrey Stern (Stephanie) and Wendy Gilman (Mike); and her grandsons, Ryan Stern Orbuch, Jared Stern Orbuch, Mason Stern, Nolan Stern, Owen Gilman and Grant Gilman.
She is also survived by her brothers, Neil Tabor (Deni) and Gary Tabor (Raina Plowright). She was predeceased by her sister, Susan Rosofsky (Alan), and her parents.
A private graveside service will be held on Sunday, Jan. 18, at Garden of Remembrance Memorial Park, 14321 Comus Road in Clarksburg.
Donations in her memory can be sent to Fran’s Place: Center for Cancer Counseling, 450 Apollo Street Suite E, Brea, California 9282, or National Public Radio. P.O Box 791490, Baltimore, Maryland 21279
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