Marlene Groeneveld Obituary

Marlene Brown Groeneveld
Born: March 12, 1936 in Chicago, IL
Died: April 21, 2022 in LaGrange, IL
Marlene Brown Groeneveld, 86, of Western Springs, passed away on April 21, 2022, at Plymouth Place. A private family service was held on June 3, 2022, at Bronswood Cemetery in Hinsdale, Illinois. Reverend Doreen Sterba DeZur, Chaplain at Plymouth Place and Reverend Cerna Castro Rand, Senior Pastor at First United Methodist Church of La Grange, officiated the graveside service.
Marlene was born March 12, 1936, in Chicago, the daughter of James and Mabel Brown, and grew up in Mt. Prospect, IL. Marlene married Robert Groeneveld in 1957. He preceded her in death in 2011. Marlene had three children with Bob. Her son, James, preceded her death in 1980. Marlene is survived by; her daughters Cathy (Bob) Overstreet of Chatham, IL and Judy (David) Heineken of Chatham, IL, four grandchildren, Alyson (David) Stephenson of St. Joseph, IL, Jessica (Nick) Antoniou of Geneva, IL, Will Hanlon of Champaign, IL, and Sarah Heineken of Chatham, IL. Marlene adored meeting her five great-grandchildren, Leah, Jack, Cate, Christopher and Cooper.
Marlene was also preceded in death by her parents, and her brother, James. Also, surviving are her nieces, nephew, sister-in-law, and many cousins.
Marlene attended the University of Illinois, where she met Bob and was a member of Pi Beta Phi. After retiring from teaching, she and Bob enjoyed traveling, which included trips to Europe, Africa, Alaskan and Caribbean cruises, and visited all fifty states. Marlene enjoyed a busy social life with her dear friends and was an active member in book clubs, bridge club, Village Club, retired teacher lunches and theater group, water aerobics, and P.E.O. Chapter CW. Marlene actively attended the First United Methodist Church of La Grange, where she enjoyed singing in the choir and ringing the hand bells. Marlene volunteered for over 20 years at the hospital in LaGrange. In her later years, Marlene enjoyed gardening and spending quality time with her grandchildren, attending many of their sporting events and activities. Train rides with shopping trips into the city, and Brookfield Zoo dolphin shows were some favorite memories for Marlene and her grandchildren. Marlene will be greatly missed, and will be remembered for her values in faith, family, and friendship.
Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, 100 W. Cossitt Avenue, LaGrange, IL 60525.