Marlene Elizabeth (Francel) O’Meara of La Grange Park, formerly of Western Springs, passed away peacefully on February 11, 2022 at 88 years old. She was a loving wife and best friend to her husband William (Bill). Their love story spanned an incredible 70 years. She was a cherished mother to their four children: Beth (Michael) McClellan, Nancy Molidor, Kathleen (Jack) Code, and Michael (Tara) O’Meara. She was an amazing grandmother to sixteen grandchildren: Erica (Chris), Kyle (Whitnee), Amber (Warren), Sarah, Daniel (Samantha), Theresa (Joshua), Julie (Kyle), Shane, Amy, Austin, Kevin, Carter, Jack, Tucker, Ellie & Lilly.  She was a loving great-grandmother to Logan, Harlan, Lena, Darce, Landon, and a sixth on the way.

Marlene was born July 1, 1933 in Berwyn, IL to parents Anthony and Vera Francel. Her sister Joanie preceded her in death. Marlene attended St. Francis Xavier School and Nazareth Academy in LaGrange. She earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Clarke College in Dubuque, Iowa. While at Clarke during her freshman year, she met the love of her life, Bill, a student at Loras College just down the road. They married August 4, 1956 and she began teaching 6th grade social studies at Laidlaw School in Western Springs.

Marlene devoted her life to her family. She was always available, understanding and compassionate. She selflessly modeled her solid values.  Marlene was an avid reader, attended plays, and loved visiting local museums and the Brookfield Zoo. She was an enthusiastic member of her neighborhood bridge club as well as book club, both for over 40 years. She spent many happy winters with Bill at their second home in New Smyrna Beach, Florida learning about local wildlife (particularly the birds), walking along the beach, golfing, and swimming. Her dedication and devotion for learning continued. She judged middle school science fairs and was a mentor/ tutor for underprivileged students. At Plymouth Place, their retirement community, Marlene was a regular attendee of lectures, movies and cultural offerings, and participated in a project raising and tracking the migration of Monarch butterflies.

Her kind spirit and great memory made family and friends feel welcome and loved.  Her ability to recall even small details about all of her loved ones created easy conversation. She called and sent cards for every important occasion. Checking the back of these cards, you would find “Made especially for (name)” typed on the back, an example of the numerous ways she showed each and every person how special they were.

The memories of Marlene’s warm heart and beautiful compassionate spirit will continue to bring comfort to everyone she knew. Marlene lived life to the fullest. She will be truly missed.

As a longtime parishioner of St. John of the Cross Church in Western Springs, a funeral mass will be held there on Friday March 4th at 11 am, with a visitation preceding the mass at 10 am. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Marlene O’Meara’s name to Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago: donations@catholiccharities.net; mail: Catholic Charities P.O. Box 7154 Carol Stream, IL. 60197-7154. Arrangements entrusted to Hallowell & James Funeral Home, Countryside, IL.