DR. MARIAN T. KILBANE-FLASH, age 95, a remarkable woman of strength and determination, passed away peacefully at the age of 95 on August 20, surrounded by her family. Beloved wife of the late Walter. Cherished stepmother of Mark (Kim) and the late Greg and Geoff (Cathy). Loving grandmother of Erin, Lindsay Clayton (Ryan), Jackson (Kelly) and Britton (deceased). Great grandmother of Wyatt and Londyn. Sister-in-law of Evelyn Kilbane, Mary Lou Kilbane, and Judy Robertson.

Marian was born on August 14, 1928, on the west side of Cleveland, to the late James and Celia Kilbane (nee Corrigan). As the eldest child in a close-knit Irish-Catholic family, she embraced her role as a matriarch from a young age and was the much-loved older sister of James, Margaret Ann O'Malley, Farrell, John, and Tom. Growing up during the Great Depression as the child of Irish immigrants, she deeply valued her faith, family, and education. Guided by the lessons of her upbringing, she knew the importance of a good work ethic and a strong moral compass.

She attended St Vincent de Paul School and graduated as valedictorian from both St. Joseph Academy '46 and Ursuline College '50 with a degree in chemistry. The discriminatory practices of the time sought to limit her ambitions, as she was told that companies wouldn't hire women for laboratory roles, offering only secretarial positions. Undeterred, she pursued her goals with unwavering determination, earning a master's degree from John Carroll University and a PhD from Case Western Reserve University. Her academic pursuits were driven not only by personal ambition but also by her desire to change the system and pave the way for future generations of women.

On November 17, 1973, Marian married the love of her life, Walt Flash. Their bond was founded on deep love and mutual respect, as well as shared passions including travel, wine, and gardening. Their travels took them across continents, from Europe to Asia, and throughout the US. Yet they both truly valued time spent with family. Sunday mornings after mass were spent gathered around her mom's kitchen table with her siblings solving the world's problems. Warmer months were spent working in their garden and enjoying their back patio. She had a system for everything and viewed any obstacle as more of a challenge. This resulted in her effortless ability to always have things 'just so".

Following a successful career with the Cleveland Board of Education, Marian fully embraced her role as Grandma. She loved her grandkids! In retirement she also enjoyed participation in St. Angela women's golf and bowling leagues, where she cultivated friendships and enjoyed spirited competition. Her gracious and warm personality endeared her to all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Marian's love for her family extended to include 13 nieces and nephews - Cathy, Mike, Kevin, Colleen, Susan Kathleen, Pat, Matt, Catherine,Mary, Jacqueline, Eileen, Christine, and especially Margaret O'Malley, whom she lovingly referred to as her "guardian angel". Margaret was not only her medical advocate, but also loved and cared for her daily for the last several years.

Marian's strong faith, dedication to education, and profound love for her family and friends will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her. May her legacy of love, generosity, and unwavering determination live on in the hearts of those whose lives she touched.

Passed away Aug. 20, 2023. Funeral Mass Friday, Aug. 25, St. Angela Merici Church (20970 Lorain Rd. Fairview Park, OH) at 11:30 AM. Mass will be livestreamed on the www.samparish.org website. Friends may call at CHAMBERS FUNERAL HOME of CLEVELAND, 4420 ROCKY RIVER DR. AT PURITAS FRIDAY 10:00-11:00 AM. In her memory the family suggests contributions to The Dr. Marian Kilbane-Flash Scholarship Fund, care of St. Joseph Academy, 3470 Rocky River Drive, Cleveland, OH 44111.