Thais Fischel

Thais Joan Fischel (nee Markus) passed away peacefully on February 6, 2024 at home in Agawam, Massachusetts at the age of 94 years old.

Thais was born in the Bronx NY on December 16, 1929 to George and Mildred Marcus. She attended Theodore Roosevelt High School and Hunter College. She met her future husband Gunther Fischel in the Synagogue Sunday School of Tremont Temple in the Bronx. The started dating as teenagers and married on May 28, 1950. For 70 years, they were devoted to each other. They loved to travel and had many wonderful trips over the years. Both Thais and Gunther believed in a life of service to others and were always doing volunteer work. They both read on the radio for the print impaired. They volunteered for many years at the Jewish Nursing Home, putting on a weekly musical program that always had an overflow crowd. They were both devoted congregants at Sinai Temple in Springfield Massachusetts. Sadly Gunther died from Parkinson’s Disease and its complications in 2020. Thais cared for him throughout his long illness as she had throughout their life together.

Thais worked throughout her life. She had been the comptroller for Wendon Plumbing and Heating in New York City for 15 years. After moving to Springfield Massachusetts in the 1970’s, she worked with the MacDonald and Johnson Insurance Company for another 15 years. Since 1984, Thais ran the Sinai Temple Religious Articles Gift Shop where she was always looking for new and beautiful items to offer. Even in retirement, Thais was always busy volunteering and keeping up with family and friends. She loved puzzles, especially the Sunday New York Times crossword, and was proud to be a member of Mensa since 1980.

In addition to her husband Gunther, Thais was predeceased by her parents George and Mildred Marcus, and her grandparents Frieda and Julius Lechnik, and Bertha Marcus. She is survived by her nephew Dr. Steven Fischel of Amherst MA, his son Henning Fischel of South Burlington VT, her cousin Barbara Brody and her family of Longmeadow MA, and many devoted friends. Donations may be made to Sinai Temple, 1100 Dickinson St., Springfield MA 01108 or to any charity of your choice. Thais’s graveside service will be Monday Feb. 12th at 11:00 AM at the King David Memorial Park in Putnam Valley, NY.