Dr. Mari Lynn Alschuler

It is with deepest love and sorrow that we announce the passing of Dr. Mari Alschuler, who left this world peacefully on September 20, 2025. Mari’s life was a testament to compassion, creativity, courage, and love and her impact will continue to ripple through the lives she touched.

Mari’s path in life reflected both her brilliant mind and her caring heart. She earned degrees from Brown University, Columbia University’s Teachers College, Columbia University’s School of the Arts, and Fordham University, later completing her Ph.D. in Leadership and Education at Barry University. These accomplishments shaped a remarkable career devoted to teaching, counseling, advocacy, and writing.

As a professor of social work at Youngstown State University, Mari inspired countless students with her wisdom, warmth, and unwavering belief in the power of empathy. She was also a clinician in private practice, where she specialized in trans- and gender-affirming care, mindfulness-based therapies, poetry therapy, expressive arts, and journaling. She formerly served as Director of the National Association of Social Workers, Ohio Region 4, where her leadership helped strengthen the profession she so loved.

But Mari was more than her titles. She was a gifted poet and writer, weaving words into bridges of healing and connection. She was also an artist who delighted in quilting, collage, and fused glass jewelry. Creativity was not just her craft; it was the lens through which she saw the world.

Mari’s heart found its home in Rosalynda Dina, the love of her life. Together they built a family rooted in devotion, laughter, and strength. She became the proud and tender mother of three beautiful daughters—Lilliana, Elliana, and Gracie—and found a new joy in motherhood.

Mari was preceded in death by her mother, Joy Van Wye Malakoff, and is survived by her beloved; Rosalynda and her daughters; Lilliana, Elliana, and Gracie; her father and stepmother; Al and Jennifer Alschuler; her brothers; David Alschuler and Mark (Helena) Van Wye, and her nephew; Meyer Van Wye.

Her passing leaves an ache in the hearts of her family, friends, colleagues, students, and clients. Yet, we are comforted in knowing that Mari’s legacy will live on through the countless lives she nurtured, the poetry she shared, the lessons she taught, and the love she gave so freely.

Services to celebrate Mari’s life will be held November 23rd, 2025 at Ohev Beth Sholom, 1119 Elm St., Youngstown, OH 44505.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) in her memory.

We invite you to share your memories, stories, and messages of love on this page. May this space be a living tribute to Mari—a place where her spirit continues to bring people together, just as she always did in life.