The Genius of Marian, which broadcast on POV in 2014, is an intimate, visually rich and emotionally complex story told through the eyes of director Banker White and his wife Anna Fitch as Banker’s mother, Pam White, is diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s. Pam has been in the later stages of Alzheimer’s over the last year and, on June 6th, died peacefully at home with her family sitting by her side. POV extends our heartfelt condolences to Pam’s family and all of her loved ones.
“She had many careers: a professional model, a teacher for the developmentally delayed, a social worker and health counselor at Milton Academy, and a therapist in private practice. She co-founded a Boston area a cappella group, The Second Wind, which is in its 43rd consecutive year performing. She was a trusted ally and feared opponent on the tennis court, and an exemplar sportswoman.
Even her battle with Alzheimer’s disease was transformed into a work of art in The Genius of Marian, a feature length documentary directed by her son Banker White and his wife Anna Fitch.
Above all else, she loved her family, was fiercely loyal, and made everyone around her feel heard, loved, and lucky to have known her.”
For more resources on Alzheimer’s, aging and caregiving, take a look at The Genius of Marian discussion guide and lesson plan, or visit The Genius of Caring, an interactive story-sharing project featuring those whose lives have been touched by Alzheimer’s.
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