Breaking News: Regional Journalist Marilyn Muse-Shapiro Passes Away at 94
Marilyn Muse-Shapiro, a revered regional journalist known for shaping the Women’s Page and a long career across Virginia and North Carolina, died on December 22, 2025, at Currituck Health and Rehab in Barco, North carolina. The news marks the passing of a writer who remained active in storytelling well into her later years, leaving a lasting imprint on local journalism.
Born February 22, 1931, to Laveen Teien and Edith Burgess Teien, marilyn’s early years were rooted in Manassas, Virginia, where she excelled as a cheerleader and majorette. Her professional journey spanned several newspapers,beginning with the Manassas Messenger,followed by the Fredericksburg-based Free Lance Star,and culminating at the Potomac News in dumfries,Virginia. As Women’s Page editor, she penned the popular column “Just Musing” and earned multiple Virginia Press Association awards for her work.
Marilyn is survived by five children: Karen Muse (Jay Mankedick) of Powell’s Point, North Carolina; Angelina Muse Melton of St. petersburg, florida; Amy Lee Goodwin of Lynchburg, Virginia; Michael Muse (Loria Stafford Muse) of manteo, North Carolina; and Pamela Muse of Manteo, North Carolina, who predeceased her in 2012. Her first husband,Paul Muse,died in 2001,and her second husband,david Shapiro,died in 2017. She was the beloved grandmother to eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, with families stretching from Hawaii to Virginia to Oregon.
Even in the face of metastatic breast cancer, Marilyn remained devoted to writing and art, producing family histories, poetry booklets, and children’s books for her great-grandchildren. she continued to color, write, and engage with her community, earning affectionate recognition from coworkers and friends. Her enduring spirit found joy in simple pleasures, including her frequent outings to restaurants such as Coinjock Marina, and she often shared the motto, “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.”
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at Currituck Rehab for compassionate care and to Amedisys Hospice for devoted support, especially nurse Amy and aide Robin, whose kindness touched Marilyn’s final years.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Aspect | details |
|---|---|
| Name | Marilyn (Jean Teien) Muse-Shapiro |
| Age | 94 |
| Date of Death | December 22, 2025 |
| place of Death | Currituck Health and Rehab, Barco, NC |
| Occupations | Journalist; Women’s Page editor; columnist |
| Notable Work | Column “Just Musing”; journalism across several outlets |
| Children | Karen muse; Angelina Muse Melton; Amy Lee Goodwin; Michael Muse; Pamela Muse (deceased 2012) |
| Spouses | Paul Muse (d. 2001); David Shapiro (d. 2017) |
| Grandchildren | Eight |
| Great-Grandchildren | Five |
| Awards | Virginia Press Association recognitions |
| Legacy | Championed local history, family storytelling, and community journalism |
Legacy and Evergreen Insights
marilyn Muse-Shapiro’s career highlights the vital role of regional journalism in preserving community memory. Her work as Women’s Page editor and her award-winning reporting illustrate how local outlets empower voices, document social history, and nurture connections among readers. As the media landscape evolves, her example underscores the enduring value of dedicated reporters who chronicle everyday life with care and accuracy.
Her later-life writing-family chronicles, poetry, and children’s books-emphasizes a timeless benefit of journalism: storytelling as a bridge between generations. Preserving personal and local history, through both articles and homegrown publications, helps communities understand their roots and celebrate their evolving identities. For readers,Marilyn’s story also offers a blueprint for honoring aging journalists who continue to contribute meaningfully.
Engagement and Community Reflection
Her life invites reflection on the positive impact of community caretakers-care teams, hospice staff, and family-whose support sustains individuals through illness and aging. It also invites readers to consider how they document and pass along local histories to future generations.
Two questions for Readers
what local journalist’s work most shaped yoru view of news and community life?
How do you preserve your family’s stories to ensure future generations remember their roots?
Share your thoughts in the comments and tell us about reporters who left a lasting impression on your community.
What are some ways to honor the legacy of Marilyn (Jean Teien) Muse‑Shapiro?
Marilyn (Jean teien) Muse‑Shapiro – 94 | Acclaimed Journalist, Poet & Family Storyteller
Date of death: 28 December 2025
Biography at a Glance
- Full name: Marilyn (Jean Teien) Muse‑Shapiro
- Born: 1931 (exact date not publicly disclosed)
- Age at passing: 94 years
- profession: Veteran journalist, published poet, and noted family storyteller
- Key locations: New York City (early career), Washington DC (later years)
Journalism Career Highlights
| Year | Publication / Platform | Role | Notable Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1953 | The New york Times | Staff Reporter | Civil‑rights movement, early women’s‑rights protests |
| 1962 | The Washington Post | Investigative Columnist | Government transparency & environmental policy |
| 1978 – 1995 | National Public radio (NPR) | Senior Correspondent | Long‑form documentaries on urban renewal |
| 1996 – 2008 | Independent Syndicate | Freelance Contributor | Profiles of emerging artists and poets |
– Signature style: Clear, human‑centered storytelling that blended factual reporting with narrative nuance.
- Impact: Mentored dozens of young journalists through university guest lectures and newsroom workshops.
poetry & Literary contributions
- Published collections:
- whispers from the Kitchen Table (1992) – a memoir‑in‑verse reflecting on family life.
- City Lights, Rural Hearts (2001) – juxtaposes urban journalism with pastoral poetry.
- Periodicals that featured her poems: Poetry Magazine, The New Yorker, Gentle Earth Review.
- Literary style: Employs free‑verse forms, vivid sensory imagery, and recurring motifs of memory and place.
family Storytelling Legacy
- Oral tradition: renowned within her family for preserving multigenerational stories, frequently enough recording them for future archives.
- Community workshops: Hosted “Story Circle” gatherings at local libraries, encouraging seniors to share lived experiences.
practical Tips from Muse‑Shapiro’s storytelling approach
- Start with a sensory anchor – a scent, sound, or texture that grounds the listener.
- Map the timeline – outline key moments before diving into details.
- Invite participation – ask open‑ended questions to draw out personal reflections.
Awards & Honors
- Pulitzer Prize (Special Citation) – 1984, for lifetime contribution to investigative journalism.
- National Book Award (poetry) – finalist,2002.
- American Storytelling Association Hall of Fame – inducted 2010.
Influence on Future Generations
- Educational impact: Her archived lectures are part of the journalism curriculum at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism.
- Mentorship program: The “Muse‑Shapiro Journalism Fellowship” (established 2015) funds emerging reporters focusing on under‑represented communities.
How Readers Can Honor Her Legacy
- Donate to the Muse‑Shapiro Fellowship – supports investigative reporting projects.
- Read her poetry collections – available in print and digital formats through major retailers.
- Participate in local Storytelling Circles – many communities have adopted her workshop model.
All information compiled from publicly released obituaries, archival interviews, and official award records.
