An incredible woman has left us. Marilyn Blaj died August 2, 2023. Born in Montreal, Quebec, raised in Brooklyn, New York, seasoned to perfection on five continents, Marilyn created and lead an extraordinary life. She was full of life, mirth, convictions, music and love.
Marilyn's childhood was spent in New York, during the school year, and summers in Montreal. A chance encounter at work in NYC set the course of her life when Israeli Shalom, earning his masters at Columbia, came to her workplace for a meeting. They wed in Israel in 1953 and lived with mother-in-law Tova for the two years of Shalom's military service.
The couple's adventures truly took off after their return to the United States. Courtesy of Kaiser Engineers, Marilyn, Shalom and children Ron and Tami lived in England (twice), Brazil (twice) and California (more than twice). Curiosity of the world, varied cultures and the arts took their travels further to countries too numerous to count (or remember!).
Activism was part of Marilyn's essence. Human rights were primary among her passions, particularly those of women and children, and voters. Of equal import to her was the pursuit of equality. She cared for people at a local level, too, volunteering at a care center for special needs adults, at an Alzheimer's day care center and through participation at the committee and board level of social justice organizations. And even more locally Marilyn offered such a welcoming presence - introducing herself and engaging in conversation with people new to a community or residence.
Marilyn had a beautiful voice. Singing 'Ugly Duckling' charmed at least three generations of nieces and nephews. 'I'm Just a Girl Who Cain't Say No' set adults giggling. Harmonizing with her sister Rhoda and later daughter Tami deepened those bonds. And the stirring tones of Kol Nidre on cello and Avenu Malkenu at Yom Kippur touched her soul.
Journeyed on before her were Shalom, husband of 67 years, and sister Rhoda. Marilyn now will always be held deep in the hearts of Tami and Ron, daughter-in-law Susana, grandsons Santi and Leon, devoted generations of nieces and nephews in Israel and Canada, and friends around the world.
If you would like to honor Marilyn's life of service, donations in her memory are appreciated to the National Council of Jewish Women or League of Women Voters.