Marilyn Rothstein

Marilyn Klein Rothstein, 93, passed away peacefully on July 30, 2025 in Columbia, Maryland. She was surrounded by her family. Marilyn was born on January 24, 1932 in Perth Amboy, New Jersey to Irving and Dora Klein. She grew up in Elizabeth, New Jersey, attending Battin High School followed by Mountainside Hospital School of Nursing.

At 22, Marilyn reluctantly agreed to go on a blind date arranged by her mother and the local butcher, Arthur Rothstein. Arthur's son had recently returned home from Korea after serving in the army, and Arthur thought that it was high time for him to settle down. Marilyn met Harold (Rusty) Rothstein, took one look at his fiery red hair, and knew he was the one. Wed on August 28, 1955, the couple lived for 30 years in Wayne, New Jersey, raising their four children. Rusty was a high school teacher, and Marilyn was a registered nurse at St. Joseph's Hospital in Paterson, New Jersey. Upon retirement, Rusty and Marilyn moved to Charlottesville, Virginia where they lived a vibrant and fulfilling life. Marilyn's days were filled with friends, reading, quilting, and her extensive volunteer work. She was a mediator, a nurse at the Free Clinic, and a committed reader and storyteller to the kids at CBI preschool. But as anyone who knew Marilyn could testify, her greatest love was being a grandmother. She was a proud and involved "Mana" to all nine, and would often remark how blessed she was. "Not a bad apple in the bunch" she would say, beaming. Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband Harold, her son Michael, and her sister Roberta. She is survived by her children, Lori Andrew (John), Jamie Rothstein (Laura), Edward Rothstein (Audrey), nine grandchildren, six great grandchildren, and Charlie the cairn terrier. In keeping with her dedication to "giving back", Marilyn donated her body to the University of Maryland Medical School. She will be greatly missed, and will be remembered by her family and friends as a strong, smart, funny woman who loved her family dearly. A celebration of her life will be held on September 21, 2025 in Sykesville, Maryland. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that memorial donations be made to the Rutgers University Foundation in support of the Michael David Rothstein Award. Please send your donation to P.O. Box 193, New Brunswick, NJ 08903-0193. Gifts can also be made online at http://rutgersfoundation.org/Rothstein .