Paul and Marcia Rosenberg: A legacy of caring
For Paul and Marcia Rosenberg, working to improve the lives of others has been a lifelong commitment — with an impact that has extended beyond Paul’s untimely passing in 2020. As longtime Framingham residents, the Rosenbergs are well known for their decades of service and philanthropy to the MetroWest community, including MetroWest Jewish Family Services and the Danforth Museum, which they helped found. They have also been steadfast supporters of 2Life Communities.
Paul devoted his boundless energy and skills to serving on 2Life’s board of directors from 1997 to 2019. He was chair of the search committee that recommended hiring Amy Schectman as president and CEO in 2010 and, throughout his tenure on the board, Paul was an enthusiastic advocate for Amy’s vision to make living in community an affordable reality for older adults.
Reflecting on this commitment, Marcia shares: “My late husband and I shared a history of taking care of our parents. That was very important to us and we got pleasure out of it.” She also notes that their children share this respect for older generations and support for 2Life’s mission.
When 2Life embarked on a plan to build Shillman House, a low- and moderate-income housing development in Framingham, the Rosenbergs played a crucial supporting role. Paul was a force in helping obtain the permits that made Shillman House a reality. As board chairman, he was at the groundbreaking in fall 2009, shovel in hand. 2Life Communities marked his many contributions by naming the multipurpose room at Shillman House in his honor. The Paul B. Rosenberg Community Room provides a beautiful and functional space for residents to hold celebrations, participate in activities, and gather to enjoy each other’s company.
Once Shillman House opened, Marcia became an early and dedicated volunteer. “Marcia is someone who just exudes fun and caring. Talking with her always brightens a day,” says Amy. “She has that contagious optimism and spirit. Marcia was one of the first volunteers at Shillman House and was integral in creating the culture of warmth and loving-kindness there.”
The Rosenbergs have always focused on making a lasting impact on the organizations they believe in — including 2Life Communities. “Paul and I included 2Life in our will years ago,” Marcia says. “It was just automatic that we would leave a gift to 2Life. They do such marvelous work.”
In recognition of this significant gesture of support, Marcia Rosenberg was named founding member and chair of the Legacy 2Life Society. This honorary society provides an avenue for supporting the mission of 2Life Communities through a planned gift or bequest.
“I’m proud to be associated with an organization like 2Life that provides such a high quality of life for older adults,” Marcia says. “2Life is very special. It’s a privilege to support it.”
To learn more about planned giving and naming opportunities, please contact Chief Development Officer Susan Appelbaum at 617-967-8569 or sappelbaum@2LifeCommunities.org.
