Marrush remembered as a long-time lecturer in plant science

Muhammad Amin Marrush was born on June 25, 1943, in Ain Al-Mreisseh, Beirut, Lebanon, to Rihab Hamoud and Amin Marrush. He entered eternal rest on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023, in Woodland, Calif.

Marrush completed his bachelor of science degree in agriculture (1964-1968) and master of science in horticulture (1969-1971), both at the American University of Beirut.

In 1971, he received a scholarship to complete his doctoral degree in plant physiology at the University of California, Davis. He was an active member of the UC Davis Association of Arab Students, which hosted frequent Arabian nights and prepared Arabic dishes. He completed his Ph.D. in 1978.

He met his beloved wife, Delores, on Aug. 15, 1975, at the Cosmopolitan Hotel Bar in Sacramento. They eloped in 1977 and went to Lebanon in 1979.

From 1982 to 1987, Marrush was an assistant professor at the Faculty of Agriculture and Food Science at AUB. Having already welcomed daughters, Najwa and Zeina, and now expecting their son, Jamal, Muhammad and Delores returned to California in July 1987, looking for stability and safety due to the ongoing Lebanese Civil War.

Marrush worked as a lecturer in plant sciences at UC Davis from 1987 until he retired in 2016. He loved being in his fields and tending to his vegetables and flowers. He enjoyed cooking for his students and is fondly remembered for his baklava.

Celebration of life Jan. 13

Marrush is survived by his wife, Delores Conaway Marrush; daughters Najwa and Zeina Marrush; son Jamal Marrush and his wife Brittanie; brothers Khalil, Jamil and Nazir Marrush; and sister Jamal El-Sayad. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister, Dalal Marrush.

Marrush’s salat il-janaze (final prayer) was held at the Islamic Center of Woodland on Wednesday, Oct. 25, followed by his burial at Monument Hill Memorial Park in Woodland.

The Marrush family invites you to attend a celebration of life on Saturday, Jan. 13, at the Marrush residence from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Please RSVP here so the family knows how many people to expect.  If you are unable to attend, the family welcomes friends and family to share treasured memories here.