Marily Mallison DeWall, 80, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, May 3, 2023. She was born in Nashville, TN, the daughter of William Thomas Mallison Jr. and Sally Vynne Mallison.
Marily received a B.A. degree from George Washington University. She went to work for the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) in Washington, DC, for more than 30 years — starting as editor of its Science and Children magazine and ultimately becoming Associate Executive Director of the 40,000-member strong association. Marily’s work with NSTA and subsequent organizations took her all over the world, meeting with science educators in South America, Central America, Western Europe, Australia, and Russia. Upon retirement, she consulted for a number of years with the science education-based Jason Foundation and Paul F. Brandwein Institute.
She and husband, Allan, retired to Newport News in 2002 to be close to son, Justin and family and to indulge their passion for sailing. Their shared joy of sailing/traveling on their own and with family and dear friends took them all over the world. They became very active working with St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church and local charities including THRIVE Peninsula.
Marily’s LOVE of life — her family, her friends, her work, and her community — was evident to all who knew her.
She is survived by her husband, Allan; sisters, Linda and Sally; sister-in-law, Sharron; daughter, Renee; son, Justin; daughter-in-law, Gretchen; grandchildren, Ashley, Gage, Skyler, Alex, Connor, and Roman as well as great-grandchildren Khloii and Eli.
A Memorial Service honoring Marily’s life will be held at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Newport News, on June 10, 2023 at 10 a.m. A Celebration reception will follow (details to be announced).
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to THRIVE Peninsula.
