Marilyn Jean Martin
Marilyn Jean Martin
February 20, 1939 – November 6, 2024
We celebrate Marilyn Martin’s 85 beautiful years—uniquely lived as only Marilyn could. We also celebrate her new life in the presence of her Savior and God.
After she was diagnosed with lymphoma in 1997, God blessed Marilyn with 27 more years. For the past 16 months she fought cancer and illness bravely, resolutely, and without complaint. The heart of her life was caring for her husband of 62 years, being forever a mom to her children, and enjoying and loving her grandsons and granddogs. She also enjoyed a cup of coffee, fine sweaters, and estate sales. She loved and was loved by her family and friends, spiritual family at LaGrange Bible Church, fellow quilters, and neighbors.
God gave Marilyn the gifts of an extraordinarily creative mind and able hands. These she used, during her many years of homemaking as a wife and mom, to make holidays special and create custom clothing for herself and children, and, of course, quilts. Her wit and humor, though often subtle, were evident in both her art and in conversation.
Marilyn grew up in Cicero, Illinois, born to Dutch parents Marinus and Elizabeth (nee Krot) Bons alongside siblings Robert and Betty. In school she was an excellent student and gifted artist. After college at Northern Illinois University, she went on to teach home economics and physical education at Cicero Middle School. There she met her to-be-husband, Gerald Martin—a fellow gym teacher. After they married, she quit her job and raised their three children in their LaGrange Park home. For 20 years she enjoyed a side business of making stained glass. As an empty nester, she returned to her passion of sewing and quilting. She became a master at her craft, teaching and sharing her abilities with friends and various quilting groups.
Her faith and Christ’s presence in her life was evidenced by her love and concern for others and sacrificially putting others before herself.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, Marinus and Elizabeth (nee Krot) Bons, and her brother, Robert Bons. She is survived by her husband, Gerald Martin, of LaGrange Illinois, her younger sister, Betty Marks, and her three children, Jennifer (Craig) Martin-Wong of Arcadia, California, Russell (Miriam) Martin of Jacksonport, Wisconsin, and Laura (Todd) Williams of Denver, Colorado. She is also survived by her four treasured grandchildren Tyler Williams, Jason Williams, Benjamin Martin, and Silas Martin.
A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at 4:00 pm on Monday, November 25, 2024, at LaGrange Bible Church, 850 7th Ave LaGrange, IL. Visitation will be held at the church prior to the service, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Consider wearing a brightly colored sweater in memory of Marilyn.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to LaGrange Bible Church or AdventHealth St. Thomas Hospice.
Arrangements entrusted to Hallowell & James Funeral Home, Countryside at 708-352-6500.
A lIfe well lived – a work of God’s grace .
Our sympathy to each of the family.
Marilyn was a delightful lady and managed to share wisdom that was both admired and witty. She was a dear to her many “beach” friends in Door County, telling stories and anecdotes that kept you chuckling beyond your time together. She will be missed by those of us still here, but we look forward to joining her in heaven when the work is done.
Thank you for being such great “Lily Bay beach friends” and all the times you shared with Jerry and marilyn while living just a cottage away.
Thank you so much for leaving the kind message. You have been so special to marilyn and Jerry over all these years.
Perfectly said. Thanks for all your encouragement and wisdom you shared with Marilyn and Jerry over so many years, and being a part of their dear LaGrange Bible Church family.
Thank you, Linda and Don, for all your encouragement and medical wisdom over all these years, which brought such guidance and comfort to Marilyn and Jerry. God used you both in a huge way. Thanks for being such dear friends. What a supportive loving community you all have with LaGrange Bible Church.
Marilyn you will be missed by so many. Your sense of humor always lightened my day. Maribeth and I will never forget you.
Thanks, Conrad (and Maribeth),
So glad you all got to enjoy each others company while working out (and Marilyn’s sense of humor as you all did :).
Marilyn,
You will be greatly missed by so many of us. I shall always be grateful for those few, but meaningful, visits with you. They will always remain in my memory. I look forward to countless times we can share again “when we all get to heaven.”
Thank you for sharing, Doris.
So glad you 4 had breakfast out together up in door county this summer.
Such joy it brings that Marilyn is Home, and we will all get to see each other again in Heaven.
Marilyn, you will be greatly missed by so many of us. Our short, but meaningful visits, shall always hold pleasant memories for me. I look forward to many more ‘when we all get to heaven.’
Mrs. Martin made this beautiful quilt for me and our kids when I was first pregnant over 23 years ago. She said she knew they would be “outdoor babies” and it was, and still is, used well and one of my favorite things. She checked in with me every time I was at church sitting behind her and would check in with my dad about me when I was gone. She was always loving and kind and offered a quiet sense of security in those moments of returning home. Much love to all of you, Martin Family.
What a great story/memory you shared.
Thank you, Michelle.
Knowing you treasure the quilt she made for your kiddos brought her such happiness, and now us too! Making quilts (and any of her various creations) was definitely her love language. She’s probably already made her first quilt in Heaven! 🙂