Florine Mark, a Michigan business icon and former owner of Weight Watchers franchises in Michigan and Ontario, Canada, has died. She is 90 years old.
Mark died Friday morning, said Kelly Wollner, a staff member at Ella Kaufman Church in Southfield, a suburb of Detroit. No further details were immediately available and Mark’s relatives were meeting with church representatives, she said.
Detroit-born Mark was inspired to open a Michigan Weight Watchers franchise in 1966 after losing 50 pounds (23 kilograms) after seeking help from the New York Weight Watchers chapter. She eventually expanded to a dozen other states and also opened franchises in Canada and Mexico, According to the Detroit Historical Society.
“Florine was a fearless trailblazer and loyal friend,” Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer said in a statement Friday. “She is an extremely savvy and successful businesswoman who is equally committed to giving back to the community, working with Children’s Hospital of Michigan, Detroit Children’s Research Institute, Women of Tomorrow and other organizations.”
“She was an icon and a leader who encouraged, empowered, motivated and inspired individuals to achieve their goals and become the best version of themselves,” Whitmer continued. “I had the pleasure of knowing Florine and I know her memory will continue to Be an example for Michiganders to follow. I love Florine’s family.”
U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow called Mark “a leader in so many amazing ways — in business, in Detroit, in the Jewish community, as a role model for women, and as a Matriarch of a close and loving family.”
In 2003, Weight Watchers International acquired all franchises except those in Michigan and Ontario, Canada. Mark later sold the WW Group franchise, of which she was president and CEO, as well as the Ontario, Canada, franchise to Weight Watchers International.
According to the Detroit Historical Society, Mark served on the Women’s Leadership Council of the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University and as president of the Detroit branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.
In the Detroit area, Mark’s “Ask Florine” and “Remarkable Women” broadcast television and radio programs are popular.
Mark, a long-time supporter of Israel, told WXYZTV On Wednesday, she was worried about her grandchildren and great-grandchildren who live in Israel, Israel-Hamas War.
“I was very scared,” Mark told the station. “I’m scared for the Israeli people, I’m scared for my children and my grandchildren, I’m scared for the Palestinians. I don’t want war – I want peace.”
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