Obituary

Marilyn L. (Molander) Morris of Rockford, IL and Georgetown, TX passed away on November 26, 2024.

Marilyn was born to Harry G. and Violet Broquist Molander on June 18, 1931 in Rockford, IL. A graduate of East High School, Marilyn was a good student who went on to study education at Beloit College. Fondly known as “Mo” on campus, she served as president of both Tri-Delta Sorority and The Association of Women Students. She met and married her college sweetheart, Don, and they returned to Rockford where she taught first grade at Kishwaukee School.

After her children were born, Marilyn became a devoted homemaker and a steadfast volunteer in her community, church and school. She also continued to substitute teach. As well as being active in PEO, Tri-Delta alums and the Rockford Women’s Club, she served on a committee to keep school libraries open when the district budget fell short. A long-time member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, she served on the Board of Deacons, taught Sunday School and directed Vacation Bible School. In her later years, she planned the churchwide dinner to celebrate Westminster’s 150th anniversary. Marilyn and Don enjoyed planning family vacations, playing golf and tennis at Forest Hills Country Club and experimenting together with new recipes in their international dinner group.

Suddenly widowed at a young age in 1984, Marilyn rebounded to a fulfilling 18-year career in the Amcore Bank Ambassador Club. While her role encompassed a variety of daily banking tasks, one of the biggest perks was serving as the bank representative during the Ambassador Club's extensive travels. As the gracious host on bus trips to Chicago and nearby locales, she led activities and served refreshments. She was lucky to enjoy travel to Europe, China, Australia, New Zealand and around the United States as part of her job.

After retirement, Marilyn loved spending time with her grandchildren, especially traveling with them and watching them discover new things in new places! She loved spending time with friends playing bridge and attending lunch outings. The joy Marilyn felt on hearing from friends was reflected every time she answered the phone!

Marilyn loved cooking and entertaining and never tired of looking at new recipes. She will be especially remembered for her Christmas cookies (which she carried on the plane to Texas every Christmas), her Swedish pancakes, and her love of all desserts, especially anything lemon! Marilyn’s perfect evening activity was sitting on the porch in warm weather to watch fireflies and neighborhood wildlife.

In declining health, Marilyn moved to Texas to be near her daughter in 2018.

Marilyn is survived by her daughter Donna and husband Russell Burton of Georgetown TX, son Jim and wife Stacey Morris of Staunton, VA, grandchildren Nicholas Burton, Daniel Burton, Laura Burton, Ashley Dulaney, Chrissy Carlton and Katie Cowan and eight great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents, husband Don, brother Dale Molander and special friend, Ray Treadway. The family wishes to send a special thank you to the angels of Platinum Resort for their loving care.

Memorial donations in Marilyn’s name may be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church in Rockford or to P.E.O. A private celebration of life will be held for the family.