Marilyn Louise (Blanken) Lobel

Marilyn Louise Lobel died Sunday, January 24, 2021. She was born November 1, 1925 in Washington, DC a daughter of the late David and Edna (Jacobson) Blanken.

Marilyn grew up in Washington, D.C. with her parents and her sister. As a child, she enjoyed playing outside with friends and taking ballet lessons. She graduated from Roosevelt High School and continued her education for a time at George Washington University. She moved to the Maryland suburbs when she got married and lived there for close to 74 years. She spent many years as an executive administrative assistant at the Water Pollution Control Federation. She was very involved with her three children's activities. The family enjoyed annual vacations at the ocean, attending the Washington Football Team's games at R.F.K. stadium, and getting together with extended family and friends. Marilyn and her husband were quite social. Marilyn was an excellent cook and enjoyed hosting dinner parties. She enjoyed playing bridge and playing golf. When the kids were grown, Marilyn and her husband Max traveled both in the United States and internationally. In retirement for many years, Marilyn and Max spent winters in Lake Worth, Florida, golfing, socializing, and hosting visitors including family and friends. When not in Florida, Max and Marilyn lived in the senior community at Leisure World in Silver Spring. After Max passed away, Marilyn moved to the Bedford Court community where she made friends and participated in the social activities offered there. When her health declined, she moved up to Bickford of Portage, a senior care facility in Portage, Michigan, near her oldest son. During her time at Bickford, she remained friendly, loving, and grateful for the care she received there. Despite medical hardships, she was resilient. When her heart reached its last beat, she passed peacefully and seemingly painlessly while resting on the sofa in her room.

On April 10, 1945, Marilyn married Max Lobel who preceded her in death on June 8, 2015. Marilyn is survived by her children, Jeffrey (Andrea) Lobel of Kalamazoo, MI, Alan (Marsha) Lobel of St. Louis, MO, and Cynthia (Terry) Thomas of Seattle, WA; eight grandchildren, Gabriel (Laura) Lobel, Rachel Lobel, Nicholas (Elly) Lobel, Jason (Allison) Lobel, Adam Lobel, Jessica Lobel, Emily (Paul) Watt, and Kyle Thomas; five great-grandchildren, Dillan, Camryn, Evyn, Avery, and Leo; and sister, Marjorie (Robert) Funger and many loving nieces and nephews. Private graveside services will be held in National Memorial Park / King David Garden in Falls Church, VA. Arrangements entrusted to Langeland Family Funeral Homes. Burial & Cremation Services, 3926 S 9th St, Kalamazoo, MI 49009.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation be made in Marilyn's honor to Feeding America.

To view Marilyn's personalized web page, please visit https://www.langelands.com