Merle Tabor Stern
September 15, 1942 — December 26, 2025
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Obituary
Merle Tabor Stern passed away peacefully while surrounded by family on December 26, 2025, in Southern California. Born to Hannah and Daniel Tabor in Baltimore, Maryland, on September 15, 1942, Merle followed convention except when she didn’t. After marrying right out of college, teaching first grade, and having her first child in quick succession, Merle returned to school and earned a master’s degree in early childhood education while her three children were young.
She then pivoted to professional photography—cofounding a commercial photography studio in Maryland and continuing with her own portrait studio in California. She exhibited her work around the country and won multiple awards.
A perpetual volunteer and natural leader, Merle created the Washington Art League; was a commercial art consultant and later a museum docent; developed enrichment programs at senior centers and synagogue; served on numerous boards; and launched an ovarian cancer awareness organization. Inspired by her mother’s career as a realtor, Merle earned her license on the first anniversary of her mother’s passing, and she was an active agent from her mid-60s into her 80s.
A talented chef and entertainer with an unending drive for life, Merle was always up for a party and fun. 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.
Family meant everything to Merle, and she was unparalleled as a mother to her three children—Stacey Stern (Scott Bergman), Jeffrey Stern (Stephanie), and Wendy Gilman (Mike), and Mama2 to six 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), and predeceased by her sister, Susan Rosofsky (Alan).
Merle had no shortage of opinions and took special joy in imparting life lessons. Here is a sampling of Merle’s Pearls of Wisdom:
• Whatever decision you make in life, you will make it the right decision.
• Appreciate art.
• Find any reason to celebrate.
• Whenever you receive money, save some, spend some, share some.
• You’re never too old to reinvent yourself.
• All good things come in 3s.
• You must advocate for your health.
• Avoid the malls on evenings and weekends.
• Presentation matters—don’t serve guests from store-bought containers; transfer everything to your own dishes.
• Every new home needs plants, lamps, and art.
• Plates should not be cleared from the table until everyone is finished eating.
• Any customer service rep, restaurant server, or Uber driver is a potential new best friend.
• Hug and hold.
• Live your dash.
A private graveside service will be held on January 18, 2026, at Garden of Remembrance. Should you wish to donate in Merle’s memory, these organizations are dear to her heart: Fran’s Place: Center for Cancer Counseling and National Public Radio.
She then pivoted to professional photography—cofounding a commercial photography studio in Maryland and continuing with her own portrait studio in California. She exhibited her work around the country and won multiple awards.
A perpetual volunteer and natural leader, Merle created the Washington Art League; was a commercial art consultant and later a museum docent; developed enrichment programs at senior centers and synagogue; served on numerous boards; and launched an ovarian cancer awareness organization. Inspired by her mother’s career as a realtor, Merle earned her license on the first anniversary of her mother’s passing, and she was an active agent from her mid-60s into her 80s.
A talented chef and entertainer with an unending drive for life, Merle was always up for a party and fun. 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.
Family meant everything to Merle, and she was unparalleled as a mother to her three children—Stacey Stern (Scott Bergman), Jeffrey Stern (Stephanie), and Wendy Gilman (Mike), and Mama2 to six 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), and predeceased by her sister, Susan Rosofsky (Alan).
Merle had no shortage of opinions and took special joy in imparting life lessons. Here is a sampling of Merle’s Pearls of Wisdom:
• Whatever decision you make in life, you will make it the right decision.
• Appreciate art.
• Find any reason to celebrate.
• Whenever you receive money, save some, spend some, share some.
• You’re never too old to reinvent yourself.
• All good things come in 3s.
• You must advocate for your health.
• Avoid the malls on evenings and weekends.
• Presentation matters—don’t serve guests from store-bought containers; transfer everything to your own dishes.
• Every new home needs plants, lamps, and art.
• Plates should not be cleared from the table until everyone is finished eating.
• Any customer service rep, restaurant server, or Uber driver is a potential new best friend.
• Hug and hold.
• Live your dash.
A private graveside service will be held on January 18, 2026, at Garden of Remembrance. Should you wish to donate in Merle’s memory, these organizations are dear to her heart: Fran’s Place: Center for Cancer Counseling and National Public Radio.
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