Marilyn Jean McNary

Marilyn Jean (Allen) McNary, 88, left her earthly home on December 30, 2020 to join her eternal family in adoration of her Savior. Marilyn was born January 21, 1932 in Waterman, IL, the daughter of Lester and Bernice (Krieger) Allen of rural Maple Park, IL. She grew up on the family farm, attended school in Kaneville, IL, and graduated as valedictorian of her class of Maple Park High School.

Marilyn earned the Bachelor of Science in Education degree from Northern IL State Teachers college in DeKalb, IL, and Master of Education degree from the University of Wyoming in Laramie, WY. Upon graduation she taught fourth grade at Bardwell Elementary School in District 131 in Aurora, IL.

The opening of the Montgomery Caterpillar plant brought Virtus McNary to Aurora and to the love of his life, Marilyn Jean Allen. They were married on August 22, 1959 and were just shy of celebrating their 61st anniversary when he passed August 5, 2020. They made their home in Aurora for 42 years, then downsized after retirement to Oswego, IL.

When son Brian and daughter Karen arrived, Marilyn would substitute teach in Aurora while the kids were in school. Marilyn continued her teaching career as an adjunct instructor in the Department of Mathematics of Waubonsee Community College, Sugar Grove, IL, until she retired in 1997.

Following in the footsteps of her parents and grandparents, Marilyn was a member and attended the Pierce Community Methodist Church in rural Maple Park, IL.  She held various offices and participated in the chancel choir and handbell choir. After that church closed, Marilyn transferred membership to Church of the Good Shepherd in Oswego, where again she enjoyed playing handbells.

During Brian and Karen’s school years, the family traveled the US, Canada, and Mexico, even living in Brazil for 2 years. Upon Marilyn and Virtus’ retirement, the second phase of traveling began, visiting 37 countries. They especially enjoyed the Mystery Trips, where the itinerary was unknown, and following the Cubs to seven different ballparks. When at home, Marilyn enjoyed flower and vegetable gardening and all types of needlework.

The heartache of losing her son Brian to cancer in 2011 took a toll on Marilyn’s health. Although Virtus and Marilyn immensely enjoyed their friendships with neighbors in Oswego, a hip fracture changed their home in 2018 to Bickford of Oswego, where she passed.

Marilyn is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Karen and Chris Mang of Yorkville, IL, brothers-in-law James (Carol) McNary of O’Fallon, IL and Glenn (Janice) McNary of Meadows Place, TX, a sister-in-law Mary Ellen Wells of Swansea, IL, and beloved nephews and nieces and their children. Brian’s fur baby Sammy the cat spent the last nine years with Marilyn too.

Those who greeted Marilyn at her eternal home are her parents and Virtus’ parents, son Brian, brother Merle (Anita) Allen, and brothers-in-law Wallace McNary and Lavon Wells.

A celebration of life, of sharing memories and laughter, is scheduled from 4-8 pm on August 6, 2021 at Dieterle Memorial Home, Montgomery, IL. Marilyn was cremated as she wished, and interment will be private at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery.

For directions and online guestbook visit www.dieterlememorialhome.com