Marilyn Joyce Carbonello

Marilyn Joyce Carbonello, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, aged 80 years, passed away on February 19th after an extended illness. She was a long-time resident of Alexandria and much loved by her family and friends. Marilyn was born on August 12, 1944 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to William (Bill) Modery and Mary (Sroka). Vivian Alcorn became Marilyn's step-mother upon her marriage to Bill in 1954. Following her graduation from high school in 1962, she moved to Washington, D.C. to work at the Federal Trade Commission as a secretary. She married Tony Carbonello in September 1963 and lived in the Hayfield area of Fairfax County for over 50 years, raising their three children. She was an active member of her local community, serving as a Brownie Girl Scout troop leader for over 40 years and inspiring hundreds of young girls. An accomplished life-long seamstress, she worked for over 30 years at JoAnn Fabrics, initially to help her children each receive a college education, but continuing because she loved working with and helping people. She retired in 2011. Marilyn's greatest contribution in life was her love for her family and friends. She was a significant presence in her grandchildren's lives, a gift we appreciate greatly. She was an avid reader and loved to crochet. Her macaroni salad was legendary. We will miss her wonderful smile and her joy in spending time with her family and friends. She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Anthony (Tony) Carbonello, children Christine Thompson (Mark) of Daytona Beach, Florida, Diane Stiger (David), of Arlington, Virginia, and Robert Carbonello (Amanda), of Blacksburg, Virginia. She was also a devoted grandmother to Alexander Thompson (Audrey Charlwood), Jennifer Thompson, Jill Thompson (Martin Wester) and Michael Carbonello. She recently welcomed her first great-grandchild, William Wester. She is also survived by two sisters, Sandra Greiner (John), of Erie, Pennsylvania, and Barbara Sekely (Ken), of Jacksonville, Florida, along with numerous nieces and nephews. The family will receive visitors at Jefferson Funeral Home, 5755 Castlewellan Drive, Alexandria, between 6:00 and 9:00 PM on February 27th and 10:00 and 11:00 am on February 28. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on February 28th. Marilyn will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery at a future date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her name to the Girl Scouts of the Nation's Capital, the American Cancer Society, or the American Heart Association.

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Marilyn Joyce Carbonello

August 12, 1944 - February 19, 2025