Marilyn Jelinek Obituary

Marilyn Ruth Jelinek
Born: April 27, 1932 in Chicago, IL
Died: August 1, 2024 in Clarendon Hills, IL
It is with sadness and gratitude for a life well lived that we announce the death of Marilyn Ruth Larsen Jelinek, 92, on August 1, 2024, in Clarendon Hills, IL. She was born in Berwyn, IL to Arthur and Rosemary Larsen on April 27, 1932.
A lifelong resident of the Chicago area, Marilyn grew up in Berwyn and graduated from Morton West High School. She attended Knox College, completing two years before leaving to marry. At the age of 38 she went back to school taking classes at the College of DuPage and graduating from Elmhurst College with a degree in elementary education. She then completed her master's degree in education from Governors State University. She taught in the Downers Grove Public School system for 25 years.
She was an active member of the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Downers Grove for over 60 years, serving in a wide variety of roles.
After retirement, Marilyn volunteered at The Museum of Science & Industry, Good Samaritan Hospital, the American Association of University Women (AAUW), Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.) and various other organizations. Advocating for and supporting women in higher education was important to Marilyn.
She enjoyed travel and travelled extensively throughout the United States and abroad with friends and family as well as with the Road Scholar program (attending 35 educational trips). Marilyn was an avid bridge player, a voracious reader, a music lover, and a lifelong Cubs fan. She loved fresh flowers but did not have a green thumb. Marilyn never met a stranger and was always ready to go to lunch! She could be counted on to lend a hand and was curious to learn more about the people she was with. Her quick wit meant she was always ready to share a smile and a laugh.
Marilyn is survived by her daughter Reverend Susan L. Jelinek (Dorothy), nephews Dr. Michael Green (Dennis) and Brother Guy Jelinek.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, husband Richard Jelinek, sister Nancy Larsen Green and her niece Tricia Green Ohmart.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the First Congregational United Church of Christ, 1047 Curtiss Street, Downers Grove, IL 60515; AAUW Downers Grove Area Branch, P.O. Box 694 Downers Grove, IL 60515; or P.E.O. International, 3700 Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA 50312 (in the memo line: PCE in memory Marilyn Jelinek, IL chapter of DI)
A celebration of her life will be held at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 1047 Curtiss Street, Downers Grove, IL on September 14, 2024. Visitation at 3:00. Service at 4:00 with a dinner to follow in the Social Hall. You are invited to wear her favorite colors: purple, teal, magenta or blue to the celebration.