Marilyn Karp Rubin

Marilyn Karp Rubin was born on April 24, 1933 in Chicago to Nathan and Jennie Karp, young immigrants from Eastern European families via Ottawa, Canada. They settled on Chicago’s Southside, where Marilyn and her two younger brothers, Edwin (Ilse) and Larry spent their childhood. Marilyn attended Kozminski Elementary and Hyde Park High, where she met many of the friends she remained close with throughout her adult life. Aunts, uncles and cousins from her large family were always in the picture. From these beginnings, Marilyn developed a concern for others and selflessness that could never be matched.

Marilyn married the love of her life, Carl Herbert Rubin, on May 24, 1953, inseparable for the next 62 years. They raised three sons, Barry (Belen), Lawrence (Lisa), Scott, and an occasional stray pet. In addition, through this union, Marilyn got the little sister she’d always hoped for, Esther, Carl’s sister, and brother in law Robert. More lifelong friendships were made while living in their close knit Southside Chicago neighborhood throughout the 60’s.

With the 70’s came major change; Marilyn, Carl and the boys moved to the Miami area for life’s next chapter. Marilyn began working at a busy law firm, where, over the next 25 years, she became the office manager, overseeing the entire operation. Yet she was always there for her family, friends and charity. She and Carl also found time to travel with their friends and were able to explore many destinations around the world.

After retiring from their work life in 1995, Marilyn and Carl moved to Tallahassee soon thereafter to be closer to their grandchildren. While in Tallahassee, Marilyn and Carl made yet another set of dear friends. Most important to her were her 6 grandchildren: Ben, Raquel, Sam, Adam, Jessie, and Ayla. Marilyn was heavily involved in Temple Israel as a director on the board and in the Sisterhood. She played mahjong with her girlfriends and loved to attend plays at the Tallahassee Little Theatre and grab a Chicago style hot dog with Carl.

As a woman of valor and of the highest integrity, everyone else always came first. Marilyn always found time to volunteer and to provide care and encouragement to others. She volunteered at Hospice, Refuge House, mentored elementary students, and read to the blind at WFSU. She also helped at the polling centers on election day, and Ronald MacDonald House and Meals on Wheels every Christmas.

Marilyn and Carl found great pleasure in the accomplishments of their children, grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. They are fortunate to have known her, her example, and will miss her greatly as they all loved their Grandma Mar.

We'd like to thank the wonderful staffs at Westminster Oaks and at Hospice for all of their love, support, and most excellent care. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Big Bend Hospice, Temple Israel, or to the Alzheimer's project research. A graveside burial service is planned for Friday March 25, 2016 at 11:00am at Culley's Meadowood on Timberlane Road.