Florine Mark, Ex-Proprietor of Michigan and Canadian Weight Watchers Franchises, Passes Away at Age 90

 

Florine Mark, Ex-Proprietor of Michigan and Canadian Weight Watchers Franchises, Passes Away at Age 90

Florine Mark, an iconic Michigan businesswoman and former proprietor of Weight Watchers franchises in Michigan and Ontario, Canada, has passed away at the age of 90.

Mark's death occurred on a Friday morning, as confirmed by Kelly Woerner, a staff member at Ira Kaufman Chapel in Southfield, a suburb of Detroit. Detailed information about her passing is not immediately available as her relatives are currently in discussions with the chapel representatives.

Born in Detroit, Mark made her mark by establishing the Michigan Weight Watchers franchise in 1966. Her inspiration came from a personal journey of losing 50 pounds after seeking assistance at a Weight Watchers chapter in New York. Over time, she expanded her business operations to more than a dozen states, including franchises in Canada and Mexico, according to the Detroit Historical Society.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer paid tribute to Mark, describing her as a fearless trailblazer and devoted friend. Beyond her remarkable success in business, Mark was deeply committed to charitable causes, working with organizations such as the Children's Hospital of Michigan, Detroit Institution for Children, Women of Tomorrow, and more.

Senator Debbie Stabenow lauded Mark's leadership in multiple domains, including business, her contributions to Detroit, and her influence within the Jewish community. She was regarded as a role model for women and the matriarch of a loving and close-knit family.

In 2003, Weight Watchers International acquired all of Mark's franchises, except for those in Michigan and Ontario, Canada. Mark later sold The WW Group franchise, where she served as president and CEO, and another in Ontario, Canada, to Weight Watchers International.

Mark's impact extended to various leadership roles, including her involvement with the Women's Leadership Board at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government and her position as chair for the Detroit Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, according to the Detroit Historical Society. In the Detroit area, her television and radio segments, "Ask Florine" and "Remarkable Women," were widely popular.

Beyond her business endeavors, Mark was a dedicated supporter of Israel. In one of her final interviews with WXYZ-TV, she expressed concern for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren residing in Israel amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, emphasizing her desire for peace over war.

In summary, Florine Mark was an influential figure in Michigan and beyond, known for her achievements in the business world, her commitment to philanthropy, and her devotion to promoting peace and unity. Her legacy will continue to inspire many in the years to come.