Muriel Israel

Muriel Israel of New York City and Royal Oak MD passed away on January 25, 2026, at the age of 96. She was blessed with a long life, an illustrious career, and a loving family.

Muriel was born in 1930 in the Bronx, New York, to Hyman and Mollie Israel. As a child she studied classical ballet, and began dancing professionally when she was a teenager. She soloed with the Metropolitan Opera in Aida and La Traviata, and in the 1951 touring production of Oklahoma! Muriel was highly driven and ambitious; In her own words, she "always got the job." She danced under the name Muriel Ives to avoid discrimination common in show business against Jews

After retiring from dance, Muriel had a long career in high-end marketing in New York City, after which she lived at the Colonnade Apartments in Washington DC before settling in Royal Oak.

Throughout her life, Muriel was inseparable from her brother Fred, who always referred to her as "The Kid." They stayed close until his death last year, at the age of 97.

Muriel is remembered by her family for her firecracker personality, characterized by a confident attitude, quick tongue, and lack of inhibition. She adored delicate and beautiful things, and brought laughter and light to those who loved her.

Muriel is survived by her nephew, Sandy; her sister-in-law, Lesley, and her 5 great-nieces and nephews, Jake, Jesse, Katie, plus Evan, and Ryan and their wonderful, invaluable Mother, Donna Israel. May her memory always be a blessing.

Services will be held at Temple B'nai Israel Synagogue at 11 am on Thursday, January 29, 2026, and the burial will follow at Oxford Cemetery.

For online condolences, please visit www.fhnfuneralhome.com