Marilyn Obodov was born in January 1926, the oldest child of Alex and Dora (Bubbie O). She graced this earth for 100 years and 10 days. She proudly attained her goal of becoming a centurion .The extra 10 days were a courtesy to make sure that everyone had a chance to check in one more time.

Marilyn was a graduate of Phillip Schuyler High School in Albany. That’s where she honed her skills as a creative writer. As a result, she always used her poetry to express her heartfelt feelings for every birthday and special occasion. She attended the University of Albany briefly, but had to curtail her studies when her mother became ill and needed her help.

Marilyn spent her entire professional career at the NYS Department of Mental Hygiene as an Administrator. In 1946 she met the love of her life, Abraham ”Duke” Kaplan on a blind New Year’s Eve date. And for over 50 years they laughed, they danced and they loved every minute they had together. She supported him for over 30 years at his business, Jules Kay Jewelers.

Duke was the brother of her best friend, Ethel Kagan. Marilyn and Ethel spoke to each other on the telephone, every single day for over 75 years. But no one was closer to Marilyn than her baby sister, Zelma Israel. They might as well have been twins. Whatever one wanted to do, the other agreed to do the same. As the family grew, the Kaplans, Kagan’s and Israel’s were inseparable, spending every holiday and special occasion together. The highlight was the summer vacations in Margate NJ.

Marilyn would say her greatest accomplishments were her children….Arthur (Andrea)Kaplan of Glenmont and Charlotte (Jeffrey) Sperber of West Palm Beach, Fla. She adored her grandchildren Bryan (Stephanie) Staff, Lauren Staff, Ashley (Marco) Sperber Hirsch, Danielle (Michael) Wing and Brett Kaplan. The sun rose and shined within her great grand children….Brody, James, Julia, Mateo, Jace and one month old Aven, who she happily waited for. To her last day, she enjoyed the calls from her extensive network of nieces and nephews in the Kagan and Linett families. A very heartfelt thank you to those that cared for her every need and became her inner family when she needed them most. With never ending appreciation to Tiffany, Ashley and Evie.

Those wishing to remember Marilyn should kindly do so through StanduptoParkinsons.org or Community Hospice Foundation.

Funeral services will be held at Congregation Beth Emeth, 100 Academy Rd. in Albany on Friday January 16th at 2:30 pm. Burial will follow at Temple Israel Cemetery .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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