Died: 8/23/17

AMES ANNE MARIE (Marklin) AMES Died unexpectedly of natural causes on August 23, 2017. She was a mother, writer, small business owner, social advocate, and close friend and confidant to many. Anne Marie grew up on Long Island, New York, the youngest of six children, and graduated from Wantagh High School. After graduation, she moved to the DC area, and briefly worked on a Congressional staff before transitioning to the Communications Workers of America (CWA). She worked at CWA for 14 years, where she held a number of positions including writer, organizer, and finally National Media Coordinator. She met her husband, Stephen, in 1993 and they were married in 1996. Anne Marie left CWA after the birth of her first son, Alex (20) in 1997, and the family added Daniel (18) in 1999 and Nolan (14) in 2002. Anne Marie spent the next years doing the job she felt most important and rewarding, being the world’s best mom. She also worked as a freelance writer, and started a small business built around her creative talents making and designing jewelry. She later returned to work doing writing and internal communications for government contractors SAIC and Booz Allen Hamilton. In 2013, Anne Marie co-founded This Is My Brave, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to end the stigma surrounding mental illness through personal storytelling. She was a passionate advocate and poured her energies into her work at This Is My Brave. Anne Marie (59) is survived by her husband, three sons, and siblings, Robert “Bob” Marklin (wife, Ann), Suzanne Mallamo (husband, Art), Jeanne Marklin (husband, Jerry Caprio), Christine Khoury (husband, Randy Preusse) and Dan Marklin; sister-in-law, Susan (Quinn) Marklin; scores of cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Robert Marklin and mother, Frances Marklin. She will be remembered for her easy smile, sparkle in her eyes, her laugh and ability to make a personal connection with each person she met. She was always available and willing to help a friend, neighbor, or stranger, and had a significant impact on the lives of many. A Service will be held on Saturday September 2 at 11 a.m. at St. David’s Episcopal Church and all are welcome. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to This Is My Brave (thisismybrave.org) or to a You Caring account for the family (https://www.youcaring.com/theamesfamily-913825) setup to help with expenses for the boys (education, etc.) by some of the many fantastic friends and neighbors who loved Anne Marie so much.

To Plant Memorial Trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store.Published in The Washington Post on Sep. 1, 2017.