Margie Guggenheim Sabath, local family matriarch, dies at 93

Margie Guggenheim Sabath

Margie Guggenheim Sabath died on March 7. She was 93.

Born Jan. 16, 1933, in Rochester, she was the daughter of Samuel William Guggenheim and Hannah Huebschman Guggenheim. She graduated from Brighton High School and went on to attend Smith College, following in her mother’s footsteps.

In 1958 she married Martin C. Sabath. Together, her family said, they built a life centered on family, friendship and community, sharing more than 52 years of marriage until his passing in 2010. For most of her life Sabath lived in Rochester.

Sabbath’s friends and family will remember her for her radiant smile and tireless positivity, her family said, adding that her enthusiasm, warmth, humor, and compassion left a lasting impression on all who knew her. 

She is survived by her two sons, Bruce (Karen) of Katonah, and Dan (Annette) of Seattle, Wash.; grandchildren Ben, Jonathan, Philip and Sophia, and Jeremy (Kathryn) and Michael; and great-grandchildren Margot and June. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, and her brother, George Guggenheim.

Music was one of Sabath’s lifelong passions. She loved classical music and could often be found attending concerts of the Rochester Philharmonic or practicing the piano on her baby grand, an instrument passed down from her grandmother. She loved sports, especially tennis, swimming, skiing, traveling and camping. She also was a skilled baker, making her chocolate cake, strawberry pie and other items from scratch. Her homemade baked goods were a highlight of gatherings with friends and family.

Sabath was devoted to her community at Temple B’rith Kodesh in Rochester, serving on the temple’s board and as president of the TBK Sisterhood.

After suffering a stroke, she moved 10 years ago to Ridgefield, Conn., to be closer to her son Bruce and his family.

A celebration of her life will be held at Temple B’rith Kodesh later this spring. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Temple Shaaray Tefila at shaaraytefila.org, Temple B’rith Kodesh at tbk.org or the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra at rpo.org.