Marjorie Dickstein passed away quietly on Sunday night (Oct 12th) around 9:00pm at the Respite House in Colchester, soon after finding out that cancer had returned. 

Marjorie is remembered not only for her architectural contributions and service to AIA Vermont, but also for the warmth and generosity she brought to every relationship.  Her legacy is one of courage, clarity, and an unwavering drive to make the world better than she found it.

Her colleagues knew her as a reasonable and direct critic of projects, practices, and institutions as well as an outspoken advocate and champion of ideas and people alike.

Those who knew Marjorie through AIAVT recall that she was as much a connector as she was a leader.  Her kindness was never performative; she listened intently, asked thoughtful questions, and made space for others’ voices.  She could be tough but fair and she was respected for that.  Marjorie was brilliant. 

Marjorie’s presence on the AIAVT Board of Directors, especially in her roles as Secretary and Treasurer, reflected her steady reliability. She was the person who would linger afterward to share a laugh, offer encouragement, or brainstorm ideas for how the organization could better serve its members. She believed in architecture as a shared endeavor, and she embodied that belief in the way she built friendships and professional bonds.

Her passing leaves a hole not only in Vermont’s architectural community but also in the lives of those who were lucky enough to know her personally. She will be remembered as a colleague who combined professional excellence with genuine humanity, and as a friend who reminded us that the heart of our work and our lives lie in the connections we nurture.  

-Tom Bursey 
AIA Vermont President

An Obituary for Marjorie has been posted to the Times Argus and Seven Days