Marilyn Borkan

With the heaviest of hearts, we mourn the passing of our beloved Marilyn Ann Borkan born on December 19, 1952 in Columbus, OH and passed away in Columbus on October 8, 2026.

Mel Borkan was a wonderful (and now missed) mother, friend and sister. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Sarah West; brothers, John and Bobby West. Mel is survived by her children Murray and Tommi; grandchildren Tomania, John, Greyson and Maya; sister Connie; and best friend Ted.

Mel lived most of her life in Columbus (Ohio). Her heart led her to work aimed at helping others – from being a teacher of persons with Developmental Disabilities (DD) to manager/director of facilities and group home settings for persons diagnosed as having DD, and (for many decades) to being an administrator (eventually to deputy director) of Ohio Medicaid. The last included developing programs that continue to allow Ohioans to avoid institutionalization. There was, additionally, a final period of post-initial-retirement work that included consulting to the Medicaid programs of several US States. Mel also dedicated her time to volunteering at Harmony Project and other community programs.

Mel loved travel, camping, biking and staying active (even becoming a Spin instructor). She enjoyed going out to movies, a good IPA, and the excitement of discovery at Estate and yard sales. She was fearless (with the exceptions of rodents and bridges). She was – perhaps most notably – devoted to and very much loved by family and friends. She is deeply missed.

Graveside service will be at 3:00 PM, Monday, October 12, 2026 at New Tifereth Israel Cemetery, 2565 Performance Way, Columbus.

Shiva will be observed at Mel’s home on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 5-7 PM with services at 5:30 PM.

Contributions in Mel’s memory may be made to Mid-Ohio Food Collective at www.mofc.org and Life Care Alliance at www.lifecarealliance.org