Marilyn Pagenstecher "Mari" Rabinowitz

Marilyn Rabinowitz ObituaryPublished by Legacy Remembers on Mar. 13, 2026.SAN ANTONIO - Marilyn "Mari" Pagenstecher Rabinowitz passed peacefully at home surrounded by her loved ones after battling a recurrent cancer diagnosis. Mari will be remembered for her extraordinary kindness, adventurous spirit, and deep devotion to her family and community.Mari was born on August 3, 1950, in McAllen, Texas, to Charles Alexander Pagenstecher and Adelyn Herman Pagenstecher. Diagnosed as deaf at the age of two, her parents sought innovative methods to support her development, including home tutoring inspired by the John Tracy Clinic. When Mari was four years old and barely communicating, her parents made the difficult decision to drive her more than 300 miles to San Antonio so she could attend the Sunshine Cottage Day School for the Deaf. There, Mari learned to speak and read lips - skills that allowed her to fully engage with the hearing world throughout her life. She credited this education with shaping her future and remained a devoted advocate, board member, and supporter of the school throughout her life. Though deaf from near infancy, Mari moved through life with remarkable grace and determination, bridging the gap between worlds and bringing patience, warmth, and understanding to the hearing world around her. Mari was widely known as one of the sweetest and kindest people anyone could hope to meet. Her eldest sister once remarked that Mari's gentle nature was in part a result of being spared from hearing the negative rhetoric that people so often express, allowing her spirit to remain especially compassionate, generous, and cheerful. Always bringing the cheer, Mari was a cheerleader and Homecoming Queen at McAllen High School where she met, Charles Rabinowitz. The two married on August 3, 1971 and left the Rio Grande Valley to San Antonio for Charles to attend medical school, then to Boston, and later to Seattle, where their two sons were born. Eventually the family returned to settle in San Antonio, where Mari devoted herself to raising her boys, Armand Brooke Pagenstecher Rabinowitz and Adam Pagenstecher Rabinowitz, nurturing them with patience, encouragement, and unwavering love.Mari was deeply engaged in her community and civic organizations, including the Junior League, and the Battle of Flowers Association, where she volunteered for more than 25 years. Mari also lived with an adventurous spirit. Marilyn also embraced life with enthusiasm, cycling across Texas, skiing in Colorado, and even hunting in South Africa. In the later chapters of her life, Mari found a loving partner in Jimmy Cook, with whom she shared more than fourteen adventurous years. Together they pursued activities like motorcycle ride challenges and rallies, flying in a rare 1930s Beechcraft Staggerwing airplane, and eventually trading two wheels and wings for four wheels and an Airstream trailer. Mari and Jimmy joined Airstream rallies across the country, including a memorable two-month journey through Alaska in the summer of 2024 after her first battle with cancer. They remained active in organizing and leading rallies within their local Airstream club. Marilyn is survived by her sons, Armand Rabinowitz (Emily) and Adam Rabinowitz (Holly), and her grandchildren Owen, Joely, Noah, and Nicholas. She is also survived by her devoted partner, Jimmy Cook. She was preceded in death by her parents and sisters, Anne Pagenstecher Simpson and Ellen Pagenstecher Lewis. The family extends their sincere gratitude to the physicians and caregivers who supported Mari with compassion and care during her final months. Mari's life was defined by love, resilience, generosity, and adventure. Though she lived in a silent world, Mari helped those around her listen more closely with patience, kindness, and a deep understanding that transcended words. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Sunshine Cottage School at 603 E Hildebrand Ave, San Antonio, TX 78212, on Sunday, March 29, 2026 at 2:00 pm. Additional details are available at maripmemorial.com. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Sunshine Cottage School for Deaf Children in San Antonio, Texas or your favorite domestic animal charity.