Marilyn Melkonian

Marilyn Melkonian, visionary and founder of Telesis Corporation, died on Wednesday, February 14, 2024. Marilyn died in Washington, DC, her home of almost 50 years, after a stoic battle with a brief illness. She was surrounded by her family.

Marilyn was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1944, daughter of William Charles Melkonian and Constance O'Brien Melkonian. Marilyn graduated from Brooklyn College in 1964 with a degree in political science.

After graduating from Stanford University Law School in 1968, Marilyn was first involved in housing policy and legislation from 1967 to 1970 on the staff of Senator Edward W. Brooke (D-MA). Marilyn was a partner in the New York and Washington law firm of Tufo, Johnston & Zuccotti specializing in land use and development of housing through 1976.

Marilyn served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development from 1977 to 1980 under President Jimmy Carter, first for insured and direct loans and later for all multi-family housing. In 1980, with a big leap out of Washington, Marilyn served as general counsel and business advisor to George Lucas and Lucasfilm, Ltd., where legend has it, she played a significant part in the (re)naming of the film "Return of the Jedi".

Returning to Washington to again pursue her passion for affordable housing and the regeneration of neighborhoods, Marilyn established Telesis Corporation in 1985. With its focus on livable, beautiful and safe neighborhoods, Telesis, with Marilyn in the lead, worked tirelessly on the preservation and construction of communities in the District of Columbia, Maryland, Connecticut, Tennessee, Kentucky, North Carolina, Florida, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and California.

Believing that physical and community development are inseparable in all of the Telesis neighborhoods, Marilyn addressed the diverse elements of an investment-worthy community and comprehensive revitalization— from affordable homeownership opportunities to mixed-income rental opportunities; from world-class architecture to world-class landscape design; from learning centers to employment centers; from community policing to community daycare. Through Telesis, Marilyn built equitable, sustainable communities that sparked the reemergence of neighborhoods and cities. She additionally founded the National Housing Trust, where she served as its chairperson emerita, and was on the boards of Common Cause, the Eisenhower Foundation, and the Brookings Institution's Center on Urban and Metropolitan Policy.

Outside of her innumerable career accomplishments, Marilyn was deeply devoted to her family. From bowling in the White House to taking in the nautical sights of Martha's Vineyard, Marilyn facilitated unforgettable experiences and memories with her nieces and nephews. Marilyn's family lovingly dubbed her "Great," encompassing both her status as an aunt and remarkable spirit.

When Marilyn walked in a room, everyone's ears perked up in anticipation of the stimulating conversation to come. She would swagger in, cool and casual, with the collar popped on her Oxford, a calm smile across her face, and a pocket-sized copy of the U.S. Constitution in hand.

You never knew what the topic of conversation would be, but you always knew you would leave it knowing more than when it began. When Marilyn spoke, people listened with the utmost intensity. Not because every conversation was about a particularly profound subject but because her words were sermonic.

Marilyn wielded the profound ability to ignite hope in others. She could speak about joy and peril in the same breath and still leave her audience somehow hopeful.

Her home full of books is a testament to her connection to life and love of knowledge. Marilyn's unparalleled brilliance was in no small part due to her unwavering desire to be a lifelong learner. Not only was Marilyn driven to learn herself, but she found joy in teaching others as well. Her great niece and nephews recall accumulating a small library of books gifted by Marilyn alone.

Marilyn showed generosity and empathy to all who crossed her path. She believed that happiness is a right — not a privilege — and exemplified that ideas can take you far if you work hard. Her stewardship of democratic principles was felt locally and nationally. Marilyn made a meaningful difference in the lives of many she knew personally and many she did not. Her lifetime of contributions were impactful and will be sorely missed and long remembered.

Marilyn chose to leave this world on Valentine's Day. She had a tradition of purposely scheduling meetings and events on significant dates, such as JFK's birthday and MLK Day. Her family believes she chose this day because of the amount of love she had for her family, friends, and those who needed the most help.

Marilyn is survived by her sister, Deborah Melkonian; her nephews Geoffrey Melkonian (Kathryn) and O'Brien McCarty (Elizabeth); her niece Wendy Melkonian; her great niece Evelyn (Vivi) Melkonian; and her three great nephews Frank Melkonian and Stephen and William McCarty.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Marilyn's name to Common Cause online at www.commoncause.org or by mail to 805 15th St. NW, Ste. 800, Washington, DC 20005. A private memorial and burial will take place in Georgetown. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.