Marilyn Jean Lesus

Marilyn Jean Lesus, 84, of Lake Zurich passed away with her family by her side on June 15th. She was born on July 22, 1936, in Chicago, Illinois to Wendell and Ethel Mahler and had one brother, John.

Marilyn married her love of a lifetime Wally in 1964. Their love for the outdoors carried through the entire family and it soon became extended family trips fishing in Wisconsin and Minnesota. This became a tradition and lasted throughout her life. She enjoyed going up north with her friends to see the fall colors, attend craft shows, gamble at the casinos, and take in a Friday fish fry. You would always see her outside with her dog Katie sitting on the patio watching new generations of kids playing by the pond, just as her grandchildren did. She loved planting flowers, gardening, and maintaining her bird feeders. Katie was always at her side except when chasing squirrels up the tree.

Marilyn's heart was as big as the way she lived life!  She always looked forward and handled life’s challenges with all she had, always coming out on top. If you knew Marilyn, your life was positively altered by her. She was one of the kindest, caring, and selfless person you will ever meet. She always had a positive attitude, and it was reflected through her happiness. She always put other’s needs above herself and offered her help to anyone in need. Always giving without asking for anything in return. Whether it was watching kid’s, cooking meals, helping with housework, or just sending notes and cards when you needed a helpful hand; Marilyn was always thinking of you. You can always count on a card from her on your special day with personal notes written just for you.

But it was family Marilyn cherished the most! She enjoyed being a grandma and spending as much time with her grandchildren as possible. She was at every event no matter what the weather. She would sit in the hot sun to watch a softball or lacrosse game; sit in the cold rain to watch a football game; and track through the cold and snow to watch a cheer competition or concert. Nothing could keep her away. She loved taking her grandchildren shopping, out to lunch, or sending college care packages. The kids could always count on grandma making their favorite meal or treat.

Marilyn will be missed tremendously and NEVER forgotten by her 2 sons; Daniel and his wife Dorothy; Robert and his wife Lisa; her grandchildren Jaclyn and her husband Brad, Joseph, Jessica, and Jacob; her entire family and countless friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to America’s Front Line Doctors. With the Covid-19 pandemic going on, there are doctors involved in personal care that are studying alternative treatments for Covid-19 offering many people hope when current protocols do not work.
Please donate to: https://securedonors.com/americasfrontlinedoctorsummit

Celebration of Life
The family will be holding a Celebration of Life for Marilyn on Sunday July 18th at the McHenry Country Club from noon to 4pm inside the Metalwood Grille banquet room. There will be appetizers, sweets, and drinks provided. The room is quite large and there is access to an outside patio and the river allowing enough room for people to mingle. You can find information and directions here: https://www.mchenrycc.net/contact-us/

Everyone is welcome! Stop by with stories of Marilyn and help celebrate her. The family requests if you have any photos, cards, or special items of her to make copies and bring them to be displayed on the table of life. We will also be doing a time-capsule that will be along side her and if you want to add a small, special item please bring it with you. The entire family appreciates everyone’s support and looks forward to seeing you.