Obituaries

Michael Ledeen, a provocative neoconservative who advised Washington policymakers to crush Islamic terrorists, disparaged a free press and helped instigate the Iran-contra arms-for-hostages scandal during the Reagan administration, died on Saturday in Austin, Texas. He was 83.

Marilyn Maines, 74, of Silver Spring Md, left this life on April 23, 2025 after a valiant fight against cancer. Family, friends, and co-workers will miss her warmth and her love for everyone around her.

Joseph S. Nye Jr., an influential figure in shaping American national security policy, who wrote seminal books on foreign affairs, held top jobs at Harvard and in government, and coined the term “soft power” — the idea that America’s global influence was more than its military might — died on Tuesday in Cambridge, Mass. He was 88.

Donald (Don) Jones died of pancreatic cancer comfortably and peacefully on Sunday, April 13, 2025, at age 89.

Michael A. Jakub, 81, of Manassas, VA, passed away on April 16, 2025.

Jane Ann MacAskill Grinwis, formerly of Washington, DC, died May 7, 2025, at Rivermead Continuing Care Community in Peterborough, New Hampshire. She was 89.

Kerry Anne Lenz, 61, of Odenton, Maryland, passed away peacefully on May 5, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. Born and raised in Long Island, New York, Kerry earned her degree from St. John's University. Kerry dedicated over 30 years of service to the National Security Agency (NSA).

George R. Cotter, 96, of Annapolis, MD, passed away peacefully on April 20, 2025. He was preceded in death by his wife, Wendy. He is survived by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Aliza Magen, who spent some 40 years working for the Mossad, Israel’s national intelligence agency, eventually serving as deputy under three of its directors, making her the highest-ranking woman in the organization’s history, died on April 14 in Jerusalem. She was 87.