Marilyn Fraser
Marilyn was born on October 8, 1934, in Minonk, IL and was raised in Oak Park, IL. She attended Oak Park River Forest High School and met her future husband, Gale Fraser, at a church youth ping pong night when she was 15. Gale and Marilyn married outside Denver, CO in 1952 and had six children: Sandy Fraser (Mather), Gale, Sarah Fraser (Van Winkle), Mark, Jane Fraser (Rosenwinkel) and Ann Fraser (Miklosz). They lived most of their married life in LaGrange Park and LaGrange, IL.
Marilyn, above all else, truly loved her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She and Gale attended more cross country, swim and track meets as well as lacrosse and basketball games than one could count. They were unwavering in their support and love of their children. Marilyn’s love of children was clearly demonstrated whenever she passed little ones on the sidewalk or at the park, always stopping to talk.
Marilyn was also an accomplished gardener; people would regularly stop and admire her beautiful gardens filled with zinnias, impatiens, roses and tomatoes. She grew milkweed plants every year to attract her monarch butterflies. It was an annual event to search for caterpillars and watch them turn into butterflies. Marilyn had the curiosity and enthusiasm of a child when it came to nature.
Marilyn loved to play golf, always teeing off at the crack of dawn with her friends so that she could look for deer on the course. She also thoroughly enjoyed playing tennis and was quite accomplished – including a legendary one-handed backhand!
For those who knew Marilyn, you knew she was one of the most caring and kindest persons you would ever meet. Her graciousness, thoughtfulness and kindness are the kind of qualities we all strive to be.
Rest in peace, Marilyn. You were strong until the end. Now tend to a beautiful garden in Heaven with Gale.
Due to health concerns, a memorial service will be held at a later date. For those interested in donating on Marilyn’s behalf, we gratefully ask that you consider the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s research, at https://www.michaeljfox.org/donate. Arrangements entrusted to Hallowell & James Funeral Home, Countryside. Info: (708) 352-6500
Marilyn was a former neighbor.
She graduated from Oak Park
River Forest high school with
close friends of mine. She was
a beautiful lady inside and out.
So sorry for your loss. God’s Speed Marilyn!
Pete and Mary Claire March
Thank youPete and Mary Claire.
Marilyn was a kind and gracious neighbor. She loved showing her beautiful garden and lovely home. She showed so much love for nature and her family and the world was a better place because of her. May the choir of angels greet you, Marilyn
Marilyn was undoubtedly one of the most gracious people I have ever known. Her joy in life and her laugh were amazing!
My deepest sympathy goes out to the Fraser family on the loss of their beloved Marilyn. She was a neighbor of mine in La Grange Park years ago and her love of flowers was evident then with the gardening she did. She will be missed by all those who knew and loved her. I’m sorry to hear that Parkinson’s Disease contributed to her passing as it did to my sister this past June after she lived with this terrible, debilitating disease for more than 18 years.
Joe Parsons
Sincere and deepest sympothy to the Fraser Family. Celebrating a life well lived in Marilyn.
Thinking of you at this very difficult time.
Jim and Tina Grotzke
I am so sorry to hear of Marilyn’s passing. Marilyn’s daughter Jane & my daughter Debbie were best friends growing up. So I have wonderful memories of Marilyn and her family. Marilyn was a special lady so her whole family has my prayers and sympathy during a very difficult time.
Thank you Barbara. Your words mean so much to us during this time. jane
Jessee and I send our deep regrets and solace to all the Gale Fraser Sr. family on the passing of Aunt Marilyn. I will always remember the soft voice, loving kindness and special smile of Aunt Marilyn when over for a visit or get together with the cousins. Our thoughts are with you all.
Doug and Jessee Fraser
On behalf of all the cousins, thank you doug and jessee. This is tough, but thankfully mom and dad are together without pain.
I was a neighbor of the Fraser’s many years ago..I always said if the world was destroyed and only the Fraser family was left they would have no problem as they all got along beautifully, had wonder trips, many of which Gale would spring on them at the last minute, and we’re just a great happy family! I am privileged to have known them.
Jane Krumm
Jane, thank you for your kind words. We have so many fond memories of you.
So many memories of Aunt Marilyn, both in my youth and as an adult, that bring a warm smile to my face. She truly was a precious soul and was loved by all whose lives she touched.