Beryl Florence Marin

Beryl Florence Marίn went to be with the Lord in heaven on May 24, 2020. She was 87 years old. She was the beloved mother of Maya (Gregory) Berry, Gita (James) Joyce, Ashok (Melissa) Marίn and cherished grandmother of Rachel Kotiah, Johanna Berry and Ayan Marίn. Beryl was the loving aunt to her many nieces and nephews in the United States, India, Dubai and Singapore. She is preceded in death by her eldest sister, Hazel Hanson and younger brothers, Maxwell D’Silva and Desmond D’Silva. She is survived by her youngest sister, Maisie Kalidas and her two sisters-in-law, Dawn D’Silva and Joan D’Silva. Beryl was born in Chennai, India (formerly Madras) on July 6, 1932 to Florence Luxa and David D’Silva. She knew from an early age that she wanted to be an educator. Beryl attended Queen Mary’s College and taught at Doveton Boys School. She came to the United States in 1961 as a Fulbright Scholar, earning her master’s degrees in Geography and Higher Education from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. She moved to New York in the late 1960’s where she raised her three children and created a foundation for them in their home church in Jamaica, Queens. Beryl earned her fourth master’s degree in 1980 in Library Science from Queens College and became the Asst. Law Librarian with Mobil Oil Corporation. She worked in their Manhattan office and then was transferred to Fairfax, Virginia in 1990 where she made her home within walking distance to her beloved church, Pender UMC. Beryl retired from Mobil in 1995. She was always an active steward at Pender UMC, holding offices in the United Methodist Women and the Missions Committee. She was a member for thirty years in the Mary Martha Circle and Bethany Sunday School Class. She served joyfully in Children’s Church, VBS, Staff Pastor-Parish Committee, Annual Boutiques and other community fundraisers. She was a dedicated church office volunteer and often made meals and treats for the staff. Beryl was well travelled and devoted her missions work in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, India, China, Singapore, Germany, Italy, Poland, Brazil, Peru and Paraguay. Beryl found much happiness in serving others, whether it was to offer her gentle listening ear, room for a houseguest or prepare a delicious meal. Beryl also served many years as a Senior Dolphin Volunteer and Elections Officer at Navy Elementary School. She will be remembered as a good and faithful servant of the Lord, always with a heart for missions and helping others. Her greatest blessings were attending her grandchildren’s school events, extracurricular accomplishments and each of their birthday celebrations. Beryl’s beautiful smile and spirit will be greatly missed by her family and friends. She is now a precious red rose in God’s beautiful heavenly garden. A private family gathering is this Friday, May 29, 2020 at Demaine Funeral Home (Fairfax, VA). A Memorial Service will be planned at Pender UMC in early July or when larger gatherings are permitted. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests you to consider a donation in honor of Beryl Marin to: Pender UMC Missions Committee at 12401 Alder Woods Drive, Fairfax, VA 22033. Thank you.