“It’s a new dawn. It’s a new day. It’s a new life. And I’m feeling good. I’m feeling good.” –singer Nina Simone
“Try to be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud.” – poet Maya Angelou
“Do not go gentle into that good night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light.” – poet Dylan Thomas
It is with great sadness that we announce that our beautiful Maryam has been called home.
Maryam J. Kinge was born on May 2, 1972 in Manhattan, NY. She departed this life at the age of 51 on July 27, 2023 in Falmouth, MA.
Maryam was raised primarily in Danbury, CT and Clayton, OH. She spent most of her adult life in her birthplace of New York City, where she made friends and colleagues from many cultural backgrounds and walks of life.
As a child, Maryam excelled at a range of activities, such as drawing, skateboarding, track, double dutch, and gymnastics to name a few. Her sisters also recall her affinity for cartwheels and handstands, and a skill for walking on her hands. Her first job as a teen was in the cafeteria of a local convalescent home in Danbury, CT.
Maryam graduated from Northmont Senior High School in Clayton, OH and obtained a degree in Early Childhood Education from City University New York (CUNY). She taught elementary school in New York City, Connecticut, and Hawaii, wielding playfulness, creativity, and compassion in the classroom. As a teen and young adult, Maryam’s little nieces and other young family members got a kick out of the funny, imaginative games she’d play with them, calling her by her self-styled nickname “Aunty Mable.” Throughout her lifetime, Maryam adored children and sprang to life in their presence.
Laughter and joy were vital to Maryam’s core being. During grade school, for example, her sisters always wondered what funny prank, antic, or game she’d dream up next. In high school, Maryam drew comical illustrations and wrote funny anecdotes and stories, passing them to siblings and friends between classes.
As an adult, Maryam used her infectious energy to live out the message "Try to be a rainbow in someone else's cloud,” words from the great poet Maya Angelou. Humor and lightness of spirit were Maryam’s superpowers and she spread these on all who crossed her path. During her years as a bartender in New York City, for example, her gregariousness and jokes brought smiles to the faces of many regulars. In her final years of life, even through physical pain, Maryam still found the strength to sing funny songs to her beloved aunt and uncle, Mary Lou and Alfonso Tingle.
While humor was central to Maryam’s way of navigating the world, it was just one part of who she was. A natural creative, Maryam had a passion for music, art, dance, and fashion. As a teen, she aspired to be a fashion designer, collecting copies of Vogue and Elle for inspiration and drawing more than 50 original clothing designs. As a young adult, she did some fashion modeling in Ohio and then, after completing high school there, set off for New York City to go after her dreams.
An affectionate human being who also maintained a fully-stocked supply of lipsticks, Maryam would leave lipstick ‘kiss’ prints on everything – cups, letters, birthday cards, and the cheeks of family members and friends.
In New York, Maryam thrived as part of Manhattan’s hip downtown scene. While holding down a job as a bartender, she pursued her creative passions. Some nights, for example, the Alvin Ailey-trained dancer would dazzle a diverse crowd on the dance floor. Music was her medicine, and Maryam loved many musical genres, from reggae to new wave to soul. Her favorite songs were “Feeling Good” by Nina Simone and “Pride (In The Name of Love)” by U2.
Creative instincts also followed Maryam into the kitchen. She was a gourmet cook, mastering several cuisines, including Indian and Middle Eastern. On Thanksgiving and other special occasions, she would prepare elaborate feasts for friends and family. Maryam especially loved seafood, including lobster and calamari.
In 2009, Maryam returned to Danbury, CT, where she taught at Wooster School. While in Connecticut, she lived with her partner, Bobby, for some years. The two remained close friends through her final days of life.
Maryam’s nickname was “Turtle” and, like a newly hatched baby turtle, she was drawn to the sea. In recent years, she lived in Hawaii, California, Florida, and Massachusetts. Having dwelt in proximity to the ocean for much of her adult years, Maryam enjoyed searching for unique seashells. In Hawaii, for example, she discovered a seashell shaped like a heart, and it came to symbolize how the Aloha State loved her back.
Our beloved Maryam was a beautiful soul with an internal spark that lit up all those who knew her. She inspired and empowered those around her through her courage to go after her dreams and live out her life’s purpose.
Maryam was preceded in death by her father Khalil Kinge and her mother Zakiyyah A. Hadi. She leaves to cherish her memory her siblings April Hartwell, Hamida Kinge, Zainab Kinge, Nura Kinge, and Zakariyah A. Hadi, as well as her close friend Bobby Berardi, her dear aunt and uncle, Mary Lou Tingle and Alfonso Tingle, and a host of other aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Maryam wished to be cremated after her passing, and her family has honored this wish. She requested her ashes be scattered in Hawaii, and we intend to honor this, too.
We love you madly, Maryam <3
Maryam….
We’ll always treasure that beautiful smile and irresistible spirit!
Courageous, brave, and bold
A dreamer, free spirit, adventurous, and carefree
My child, my love
Love you madly