Marilyn Fishbone

Marilyn Klugman Fishbone, a devoted mother, grandmother, wife, daughter, sister and friend, passed away peacefully on March 31, 2026, at the age of 85, leaving behind a life defined by love, resilience, and purpose.

Born in 1940 in Liberty, New York, in the heart of the Catskills, Marilyn carried with her a deep sense of family and community throughout her life. She was known for her warmth, strength, grace, dedication, and joy-qualities that shaped every relationship and every endeavor she pursued. In 1962, she married Dr. Gerald Fishbone, and together they began their life in a small apartment on Ramsdell Street in New Haven, Connecticut-a modest beginning that would grow into a life of enduring impact.

Marilyn and Gerry welcomed two children, Lisa in 1965 and Scott in 1968. Their lives changed profoundly in 1969 when Scott was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) at just 18 months old. At a time when far fewer resources and treatments were available, Marilyn and Gerry locked arms and met this challenge with determination and quiet strength.

Turning adversity into action, Marilyn became deeply involved in the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation (JDF), later known as JDRF and now as Breakthrough T1D. In 1974, she founded the Connecticut chapter, helping to build a community of support for families and raising vital funds for research. Her drive to conquer T1D increased even further after their eldest grandchild Harris was diagnosed in 2001 at the age of 5. Her leadership, compassion, and sense of purpose touched countless lives, contributed to advances that continue to improve care today, and will lead to the achievement of the ultimate goal of finding a cure.

In addition to her advocacy for T1D, Marilyn worked for decades at the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven, where she further demonstrated her lifelong commitment to service and community.

Marilyn and Gerry shared a love of travel and explored the world together, often joined by great friends and regularly with her beloved children and grandchildren, creating cherished memories and building lifelong bonds along the way.

In later years, Marilyn cared for Gerry with remarkable devotion, reflecting the same strength, grace, and unwavering love that defined her life. They were blessed to move to Whitney Center in Hamden, Connecticut where they both received wonderful support and care from its incredible staff. Marilyn was fortunate to make amazing friends and to become a vibrant, centerpiece of Whitney Center's warm and engaging community.

Wherever she went, Marilyn brought warmth, curiosity, and a gift for making people feel welcome and valued. She valiantly battled CNS lymphoma, a rare form of brain cancer, for two years, with grace, positivity, strength and resilience, inspiring everyone around her with her love of life and her gratitude for all of her many blessings.

Above all, Marilyn was devoted to her family, her greatest source of joy and pride. She is survived by her daughter Lisa Fishbone Wallack, her husband Neil Wallack, and their children, Harris (Casey), Perry (Serena) and Sydney; and her son Scott Fishbone, his wife Betsy Floman Fishbone, and their children, Lucas, Alex, and Kate; as well as her brother Mike Klugman.

Marilyn's legacy lives on in the family she nurtured, the community she built, and the countless lives she touched through her intellect, drive, compassion, positivity and unwavering strength.

The funeral and memorial service will take place on Monday, April 6th at 10:00 am at Congregation Mishkan Israel, 785 Ridge Road, Hamden, CT, with burial to follow. The family will be sitting shiva at Marilyn's apartment at Whitney Center in Hamden following the burial until 4:00 pm. There will be a Celebration of Marilyn's Life at Whitney Center on Thursday, April 9th from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm for Whitney Center's residents and staff.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Marilyn's memory may be made to Breakthrough T1D at https://www2.breakthrought1d.org/site/Donation2?2374.donation=form1&df_id=2374 or checks can be sent to: Breakthrough Type 1 Diabetes CT/MA Chapter, PO Box 1570, Hagerstown, MD 21741-1570. The Robert E. Shure & Son Funeral Home, New Haven is in care of Arrangements. To sign an online registry book or to leave a message of condolence, please visit,www.shurefuneralhome.com