I think about Miriam often. I wish we could've stayed closer in contact after high school, but she is greatly missed. I will hold onto the memories we have for a lifetime. RIP to a beautiful soul.

I miss you Mari. This is such a delayed post. But I think about you very often. You were such an outgoing, fun, adventurous, and all around positive and bright person. You made my time abroad in Spain so fun, even when I was going through complete culture shock and anxiety from being so far from home. You were my absolute bestie on that trip. 

We fell out of contact after our time abroad but I still remember running into you on campus and in the Spanish hall. You always had a smile on your face! You had such a contagious smile and laugh. You were such an intelligent, hard working person and were truly so inspirational to those that knew you. I’m so sad you were taken from us too soon. I hope that you’re resting in peace, Mari. I’ll never forget you and will continue to think of you and all of the fun times we had, often.

Ton histoire est très touchante repose en paix petit ange veille sur ta famille 

Mariam, I've been thinking about you a lot recently. I have dreams about you. You are one of the most contagiously joyful people I have ever met. I can still hear your laugh from our many many days spent together at cross-country, track, and band practice. 

Sometimes I find myself wondering what you're up to and then am shocked with the realization that you're no longer around.

But your memory will always live in within me. I love you.

 Mari thank you for being a genuine friend, a light in my life, a supportive classmate, a consistent supporter of my music, reminder of the importance in seizing the day, my personal cheerleader and fellow lover of travel and global awareness. We first met in Bridge then our friendship flourished when Esohe you and I participated in Telefund, then our friendship grew closer when you and I had Women’s studies class together and we literally had lunch together after each class, you created the amazing opportunity for me to practice and develop my artistry with Michigan’s Got Talent by ensuring that I had an opportunity to perform, we continued to grow our friendship and mini family as we broadened our horizons in The Global Scholars Program where we really established our family and interests in mediating Global Injustices , we continued and matriculated as Peer Facilitators for the GSP Program, shared fun memories when So So and I shared our apartment in the same building as you during the summer of 2016, through graduation, birthdays, all of our chats in North Quad, seeing me sing on campus, and enjoying Ann Arbor with us are memories that I’ll forever cherish. I know that it was God who led you to Valencia, Spain for your graduate school internship only months before I moved here to pursue my Masters because you were so willing and helpful with my millions of questions. You even took a trip to my school and sent me pictures because I hadn’t even seen it with my own eyes yet. You started your travel blog and inspired me to start my own. Love you always my friend,
     Alexjandria Edwards
     Valencia, Spain 

The universe has a way of bringing people into your life that ignite your internal fire, while also encouraging you to stop and smell the flowers of life.  Mari was one of those people. 

I first had the pleasure of meeting Mari through a mutual friend while in the Summer Bridge Scholars Program, and immediately thought that this girl was funny and had the clearest skin I had ever seen. We kept in touch after Bridge, but saw each other less often - Umich's campus had a way of making the people closest to you feel so far away. But, the universe always finds a way of keeping people together whose paths are meant to cross. 

I got to spend more time with Mari after our freshman year when we went on the same study abroad trip to Salamanca, Spain. It was here where I got to see Mari truly shine! She was a people person, sharing her light and zeal with whomever she met. She gave off an energy so infectious that you couldn't help but to stop and catch it. If I wanted to stay inside, she would push me to come out and explore... what would often start out as a mission for food or new clothes, usually turned into meeting up with other classmates and new friends. Mari helped people get out of their comfort zone and enjoy being themselves.

However, Mari's charisma didn't end with her ability to meet people, she was also genuinely invested in helping others as well. This was displayed in our Spanish classes that we had together, and in discussions during our time as Global Scholars.

I am so grateful for a friend like Mari. A friend who was compassionate, funny, fierce, stylish, loving, and supportive. A friend whose light shined so brightly and was far spreading that it could never be dimmed. Her presence will always be with us, and for that, I am thankful. Gracias chica <3

Mari will truly be missed as a member of the Department of Health Behavior and Health Education at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. She was an inspiration to many with her warm smile and caring personality.  The faculty, staff and students of the HBHE department send our deepest sympathy to Mari's family and friends with the hope that your cherished memories of her will bring you inner peace and comfort in the days ahead. She will always be part of HBHE.
Warm regards,
Cleo Caldwell
Chair
HBHE Department

I had the privilege of being matched with Mari through the Blavin Scholars Program. I still remember the moment she walked into the room during the Mentor-Mentee matching process. She and I immediately connected and struck up a conversation about our interests in travel, international education and her goals during her time at the University. Every time I left one of our meetings (usually over coffee at Espresso Royale), I would think to myself that she was going to change the world. She had the kindest heart, most beautiful soul and was an incredibly intelligent young woman. She was someone that truly sparkles in all the ways a person can. My heart breaks for Mari’s family and friends. I am so sorry for your loss.   


I had the opportunity to meet Mariam in Salamanca, Spain, when she was studying here. In a short time I could see that she was really beautiful on the outside, but much more on the inside. Always with a smile drawn on her face, she was really friendly, openmind, extroverted, affable, empathic, energetic, intelligent, strong, socially engaged, fighter, determined, and very eager to live. He deserved everything. It is impossible to forget a personality like hers. One of those people who touched the soul, who did not leave you indifferent, who was made to be loved, respected and admired. Good trip Mariam, wherever you are.

I did Mariams hair from time to time. I did it for her Prom. That was great fun. We always had heart to heart conversations. So Beautiful she was. I was working when I got the News of her passing and could hardly believe it. Such a wonderful young lady. Rest in His arms now. To the family We all loved your African Princess. God bless.

It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to our fellow Blavin Scholar, Mari.  Mari's warmth, kindness and easy nature comes to mind for many of us as we remember our time with her.  Her good energy and light filled the room and made us gravitate to her.  We are grateful to have shared time, laughs, good conversation and experiences with her during her four years as a Blavin Scholar. 

As Mari's friends and family, we hope you will take some small comfort in the words of the poet Ellen Brenneman, “We can’t know why the lily has so brief a time to bloom in the warmth of sunlight’s kiss upon its face before it folds into its fragrance and bids the world good night to rest its beauty in a gentler place. But we can know that nothing that is loved is ever lost and no one who has touched a heart can really pass away because some beauty lingers on in each memory of which they’ve been a part.”  Mari will always be a part of the Blavin Scholars Program and will always hold a place in our hearts.

Sincerely,


Miriam Connolly, Director 
Blavin Scholars Program



Mari was a classmate of mine from the school of public health. She didn't talk a lot in class, but when she did have something to say it was always worth listening to. She presented herself as a very smart woman. I would often run into her when I was getting coffee at the cafe and she was working there, and we would have a quick conversation about class and things that were happening. There will be an obvious hole in the SPH community without Mari. My prayers are with her and her family. 

Mari was and will always be a light in my life.  Without Mari, I'm not sure how I would have made it this far in the MPH program.  All of our inside jokes, deep conversations, and bus rides together from school helped me to get through each day.  She was one of the few people in the program that made me feel welcomed, and she was always there for me when I needed her. Mari is the true definition of a friend. To say that I will miss her, would be an understatement.  

To the family and friends, I am going to continue to pray for us through this difficult time.

Mari was beyond special.  I’m so sorry for the loss of your beautiful young and amazing lady.  Her beaming and joy she spread will never be forgotten.  I know nothing I say can make it better, and I can’t even begin to imagine what your going through, but please know, she was loved by everyone. She is a beautiful star, a star that will always be in our hearts and our memories.  May God continue to bless.  Love the Banks family 

Dear Pat, Paul and family,
We are so sad to hear about Mari’s passing. I remember fondly when she would come over to visit our pony.
She was  such a delightful person.
Please know that we are thinking of you and send our prayers and condolences at this difficult and sad time.

I met Mari as a freshman (she was a couple years older than me) in the Blavin Scholars Program.  We later ended up in the same residential community at UM - the Global Scholars Program.  Through these programs and over the years, I got to see different sides of her and her overall passion to make the world a better place.  In my time knowing her, I could see that Mari was a very kind, and driven person; I admired these things about her. I am glad to have met her and I will always remember her fondly. Condolences to her friends and family in this trying time.

I met mari during her freshman year and my junior year of college. We were dating guys who were best friends so naturally she I spent time together. During that time, somthing between us clicked and from then on she saw me as a mentor and someone she could look up to. For the last five years she’s never hesitated to come to me for advice or praise me for my accomplishments. I don’t think she knew that it was the other way around and I actually looked up to her and was amazed at everything she accomplished. I’ll always remember her as someone who knew their worth and strove to make sure others could see it in themselves as well. 

It seems like such a short time ago that Mariam was hanging out in my room after school.  I am so so sorry for your loss.  Students like Mariam made teaching such a positive experience.

I still remember the first time we met each other was band camp freshman year of high school. Mari was so kind and friendly and made the barn night a blast!
It’s crazy to think we were hanging out just last week at your apartment, talking about future plans after graduation. 
Mari’s kindness will be remembered in our memories.
Rest easy and my prayers go out to friends and family. 


I knew Mariana briefly when she was living with Leslie (my sister) and Lanika Smith.  She was probably about 10 or 12 years old at the time.  She jumped into the hearts of our extended family as if she had always been a part of the Smith clan.  We have photos of her with a bunch of Lanika's cousins at the beach cottage in Ludington. 
Mariana had an amazing smile then and I see from her photos and the comments posted that she grew into an amazing young woman.
My heart goes out to everyone  that counts Mariana dear.  
Barbara Smith Jang

I knew Mari through the Global Scholars Program at the University of Michigan. We were so lucky to have her in GSP for three years, two years as a leader, and I had the privilege of having her in my leadership training class. She had a profound inner wisdom about what the people of this world must do to bridge the many divides between us. She showed those around her the compassion, patience, empathy, and commitment it takes to pursue peace and healing.

My deepest condolences to her family and the many friends who will miss her dearly, myself included. 

We have several beautiful photos of Mari during her time at GSP. Her family is welcome to contact me (wisemana@umich.edu) for more photos.

Beautiful soul and Beautiful Person . Your memories will forever be in our hearts. Thank you for always being just you ! To the family my condolences and prayers are with you . 

My family and I are saddened beyond words. Mari was an extraordinary person who taught us all lessons about strength and perseverance. She brought so much light into this world. Her memory will stay very much alive in all who knew her.  We send our love and deepest condolences to the Carson family.

May you find comfort in  the memories that you shared with Mari. She was a beautiful person with an inviting smile. Her warm and welcoming spirit truly touched my heart.

OBITUARY

Mariam Sarit Carson

7 November, 1995 – 31 December, 2018

Muehlig Funeral Chapel

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