Notices
The 黑料门University Chicago community mourns the death of Marcia Spira, PhD, professor emeritus in the School of Social Work, who passed away on November 1, surrounded by loved ones.
Marcia was a respected clinical social worker prior to joining the School of Social Work as a professor in 1996. Her areas of expertise included clinical practice with older adults and families facing dementia. She retired in 2020, but continued teaching at the school as a professor emeritus.
Her colleagues remember Marcia as a dedicated professor who maintained a passion for direct service and therapeutic work throughout her career.
Marcia took on various leadership positions in the community and at the school, including serving as director of an institute within the School of Social Work that focused on older adults. She also stepped into the role of Interim Associate Dean for two years alongside her friend and former Interim Dean Susan Grossman, PhD, who said she was well-respected and a leader among her peers.
鈥淢arcia was an amazing person,鈥� said Grossman. 鈥淗er students loved her, and she had an enthusiasm for teaching and life.鈥�
When new faculty members joined the school, they would often turn to Marcia as a mentor when teaching practice. Grossman said she was a strong voice among the faculty and always spoke directly, but with kindness.
She is survived by her children, Lauren and Daniel, grandchildren Blake and Jordan, brother Robert, and many cousins and friends. Her beloved husband and best friend of 42 years, David passed away last December.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to to the American Cancer Society, or the Jewish United Fund, .
Please keep Marcia, her family, and all her loved ones in your thoughts and prayers.