Heartfelt condolences on the passing of longtime executive editor of The Arab American News, Kay Siblani continue to be sent, and show the mark she left on journalism and the community. Siblani succumbed to cancer on Jan. 1, 2013   

“We are so deeply saddened to learn of Kay’s death. She was a truly wonderful woman in every way and an invaluable gem in the Arab and Muslim communities. Her contributions to journalism and all that she did for The Arab American News were first rate. She will be terribly significantly missed.” 

–Suzanne Manneh, national media coordinator, New America Media

“I was very saddened to learn about the passing of Kay. She was a bright and warm person who sought to empower the public through information. She made important contributions to our community, and leaves a proud legacy. I am honored to have known her. Her memory is in our hearts…” 

–Barbara L. McQuade, United States Attorney 

“I heard with great sorrow about the passing of Ms. Marianna Kay Siblani. She was indeed a one of a kind person whose determination and resilience in her long struggle against illness and whose ambition and service to the community are an inspiration to all of us,”

 -Bilal Kabalan, Consul General of Lebanon to Detroit 

“I am so saddened by Kay’s departure. She was such a wonderful person. Sorry for your (our) loss.” 

–Anan Ameri, director, the Arab American National Museum

“My heartfelt condolences on the passing of Marianna Kay, she will be greatly missed. I will always remember her voice of dedication, her sense of justice and her indignation at justice. May she rest in peace. My sympathy to you and her family.” 

–Nabeel Abraham, professor, Henry Ford Community College, former contributing writer, The Arab American News

 “We were deeply touched by the sad news that Kay had lost her brave stand against her illness. She was not only a wonderful person, but her work in building and guiding The Arab American News over the years is sure to have a lasting impact. She will be missed.” 

–Paul Kleyman, worked with Kay on a journalism fellowship 

“We honor the tremendous role of Kay Siblani in American journalism and in New America Media. We are so sad to learn we have all lost her.” 

-Sandy Close, Executive Director, New America Media 

“Please accept my sympathy for Kay’s passing. She had a remarkable career at The Arab American News and made an enormous contribution to the community.  Please pass my condolences to her family.”

 – Jon Wolman, Publisher, The Detroit News 

“On behalf of our staff and students at Riverside Academy West we offer our deepest condolences to the Sada Alwatan family for the loss of Kay Siblani. Kay was a great person who will be missed by all of us. Her legacy will continue, and the impressions she left on us will always be remembered.” 

– Ramzi Saab, principal, Riverside Academy West

“She was a nurse by training who became a devoted caregiver and servant to an entire community. The board, staff and supporters of the Arab American National Museum extend their condolences to the family and friends of Marianna Kay Siblani, 64, the co-founder and longtime executive editor of The Arab American News, who passed away Jan. 1. She and Osama Siblani launched the first Arab American weekly bilingual newspaper on Jan. 23, 1985.”

-Arab American National Museum 

“I’m sorry to hear of your recent bereavement. There are no words to express our heartfelt sympathy…” 

– Paul Cheang,    Asian American Journalists Association President, and  global interactive editor for the Associated Press

“Thinking of you during this difficult time.” 

–Jerome Vaughn, WDET news director

“I was so sorry to hear of your loss of Kay. I know how much she meant to you…” 

-Benny Napoleon, Wayne County Sheriff

“We are sorry for your loss…Our thoughts and prayers are with you.” 

– Leland K. Bassett, Chairman and CEO at Bassett and Bassett, Incorporated 

“Entire staff at The Arab American News. We are deeply saddened by the passing of M. Kay Siblani a highly respected journalist, human rights activist and a great friend to this entire community. This world is a better place because of her tireless work and honesty. On behalf of the Dearborn Police Department, please accept my condolences and know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.” 

– Ronald Haddad, Dearborn Police Chief 

“On behalf on the executive committee of the Washington Association of Arab Journalists (WAAJ) and its members, please accept our deepest sympathy for the passing away of beloved Kay Siblani, editor of the English section at “Sada Al Watan.” Her long and extended professional service is a testament of her integral dedication to the causes, values and concerns of the Arab community at large, her treasured family. 

She will be sorely missed by everyone she came in contact with and those she touched with her personal care and advocacy of their rights and beliefs. May the almighty Allah grant her peace and harmony, and bestow serenity on her dear family. To Allah we belong and to Allah we shall return.” 

– Mohammad Dalbah, Washington Assocation of Arab Journalists President 

“I was saddened to hear of Marianna Kay Siblani’s untimely passing. She was a rare spirit who lived her life completely committed to her beliefs, despite her personal challenges. Understanding that this is a difficult time, I would like to express my heartfelt sympathies to you and your family. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.”

 – Kym Worthy, Wayne County Prosecutor

“As I drove to Verheyden Funeral Home this past Saturday, memories of our beloved Kay Siblani raced through my head.  As an eager freshman attending college, I recall storming into The Arab American News’ office one evening, demanding that more focus and attention be given to Arab American youth.  

Occasionally, I’d drop by the office…but I had this rule that I wouldn’t leave until Kay cracked a smile. I am very blessed to have crossed paths with a wonderful person like Kay, and pray that people understand the important work that unsung heroes such as Kay do for the advancement of human life.  Kay’s story shall never be forgotten and her legacy will always remain a testament to the young journalists she’s inspired along her journey. Our thoughts and appreciation go out to Osama Siblani, and his phenomenal staff as they continue to strive for excellency.”  

– Rashid Baydoun, community activist