Marleen May, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, nurse, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 23, 2026, at the age of 74.

Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Marleen attended the University of Minnesota, where she met her husband Eliezer May through Israeli folk dancing. They built a life together — whether in Israel, Minnesota, Missouri, or Maryland — centered around Jewish traditions, community, and family. They were just two days shy of celebrating their 43rd wedding anniversary.

Marleen devoted much of her life to caring for others. As a registered nurse, she worked at Holy Cross Hospital, Capital Camps, the Jewish Day School, and the McLean School, where her warmth and compassion touched countless lives. Caring for people came naturally to her, and she approached everyone with patience, generosity, and quiet strength.

She found joy in the simple and meaningful things in life: Israeli folk dancing, watching Jeopardy, playing trivia, spending time with her beloved bird Tuki and her cats, and sharing her signature dry and witty sense of humor with those around her. Above all else, Marleen cherished time with her family, especially her grandsons, who brought her endless pride and happiness.

Marleen could make friends easily and would always contribute to the group without seeking to dominate it. Her kindness was steady and genuine. Her devotion to others was evident to anyone who knew her, was treated by her, received rides or other help from her, or submitted humor submissions to The Washington Post with her.

Marleen is survived by her husband, Eliezer; her children, Yossi, David, and Rachel; her siblings, Edith, Andrea, and Evan; her three grandsons; and the many family members, friends, colleagues, campers, students, and community members whose lives she touched so deeply. Her memory will forever remain a blessing to all who knew and loved her.

Those who can't attend in person can view the service live by going to Garden of Remembrance Memorial Park and click on the blue livestream link.

The family will be sitting shiva immediately following the service at Marleen's home until 4pm and on Tuesday from 6:00pm - 9:00pm. The shiva will resume as follows:

Wednesday

7:30 AM-12 PM: Shiva (Pikesville) 7:30 prayer time

6-9 PM: Shiva (Pikesville) 6:45pm prayer time

Thursday

7:30 AM-12 PM: Shiva (Pikesville) 7:30 prayer time

6-9 PM: Shiva (Pikesville) 6:45pm prayer time

Friday

7:30 AM-12 PM: Shiva (Pikesville) 7:30 prayer time

1-4 PM: Shiva (Pikesville) No prayers

Sunday

7:30 AM-12 PM: Shiva (Pikesville) 7:30 prayer time

6-9 PM: Shiva (May Residence) 6:45pm prayer time

Monday

7:30 AM: Shiva (Pikesville) 7:30 prayer time

We encourage you to share your thoughts and memories on her Tribute Wall. For more information about Marleen please visit In Memorium: Eliezer May's Website

In lieu of flowers, if you wish to donate to any causes in honor of Marleen, please consider the following causes that were meaningful to her: Tiny Pet Rescue, Project Purple, Humane Society, Second Chance Wildlife Center, InterFaith Works, or Bikur Cholim of Greater Washington

Services entrusted to Sagel Bloomfield Danzansky Goldberg Funeral Care.