Ethel Mariam

She shared an adventurous childhood with her three siblings, the late Al (Ruth) Mariam, the late Rosie (late Joe) Jackson, and the late Sam (late Dorothy) Mariam, cousins, and great friends.

That same spirit led her to be one of the first female volunteers in the U. S. Navy during World War II. After enlisting, she transferred to WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service), part of the Navy Reserves, and served as an accountant in Bainbridge, Maryland. The Navy and Navy Reserves were her life. She served her country for 38 years, rising to the rank of Captain.

Ethel was equally dedicated to her family, including her nieces and nephews, the late Cheryl Mariam, Allen (Sharon) Mariam, Daryl Brock, Bruce (Sue) Mariam, and Debra (late Daniel) Schroeder, many great nieces and nephews, and cousins. “She just is the sweetest thing,” Debra once said. “She just always has a positive attitude and thinks that she can accomplish anything. And she loves everybody.”

An avid swimmer, Ethel was known for swimming her laps every day, even having her own lane in the pool. She also made a point of walking a mile every day to stay strong. “The only thing you gotta remember (is that) you gotta keep putting one foot in front of the other and keep going and everything falls into place after that,” she said on her 101st birthday.

She was a fixture in her University City neighborhood, where she had many friends and where they celebrated her on her birthday for decades.

Her memory will forever be a blessing to all who know and love her and to a grateful nation. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice in Ethel's memory.