Childhood and early education, Newark, New Jersey and Brooklyn, New York; B.A., English, Brooklyn College, 1953; M.A., School Guidance, Bank Street College and Sarah Lawrence College, 1972; marriage to Alvin Thaler, 1956; Marymount Manhattan College: director of continuing education, 1978- ; recollections of immigrant parents and family life during childhood; reflections on brother Edward I. Koch's political career as Congressman and New York City mayor: early signs of potential for leadership and leaning toward public service, campaign image compared with true image, devotion to job, unsuccessful run for governor, involvement in political campaigns.