Marilyn Kay Ismail Memorial Bench

Hello -

Our mom recently passed, unexpectedly. Many have asked, “What can we do to show how much your mom meant to us?”

Mom loved when friends & family would come to visit her in her home, to sit and share a cup of tea while she would catch up with her guests.

A memorial bench will be placed on her gravesite in the Columbia Gardens Cemetery - an arboretum - in Arlington, Virginia, so that friends and family can “grab a cup of tea and come chat with me” anytime. A beautiful site where the sound of birdsong fills the air and peace and beauty surround visitors as they experience the gardens.

We thank you in advance for the love and kindness you’ve shown our family through this time.  All funds donated will go directly to the purchase of the bench.

Mom’s obituary:

Marilyn Kay Ismail, age 78, residing in Arlington, Virginia and previously Dutchess County, NY, passed away on October 27, 2022 in Virginia.

Marilyn was born in Springfield, Illinois on April 21, 1944, to William Ernest Buckles and Frances Elizabeth Midden Buckles. She is predeceased by her younger brother John Robert Buckles and her former husband Badr S. Ismail.

Marilyn is survived by her sisters Jo Ann Carol Buckles and Geralyn Patrice Solomon, her four children, Aisha, Jerry, Omie, and Mona, and grandchildren, Rienna, Marshall, Maya, Omar, Hannah, and Emma, along with two wonderful cats, Blackie and Gracie.

Marilyn attended Ursuline Academy and graduated salutatorian of Lanphier High School, Springfield, IL. In 1967, she received her Bachelors from SUNY Binghamton and her Master’s in Social Work from Mercy College in 1981 while raising four children. After 20 years of public service, Marilyn retired from Dutchess County government where she served as a case manager in Social Services.

Marilyn was a member of The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and has traced her ancestry in America back to 1719.

Marilyn was an avid reader of historical fiction, biographies, and crime thrillers.

Marilyn and her family are extremely appreciative and extend a special thank you to all her friends, support team, and neighbors who lovingly assisted Marilyn to live independently at home for many years.

Services will be held at Columbia Gardens, Arlington, VA on Saturday, November 5, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow immediately afterwards.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation toward a memorial bench to be placed at her gravesite for friends and family to visit.