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Marilyn Francis
Marilyn Jeanine Francis, nee Lindauer, 84, of Columbia, Ill., formerly of Belleville, Ill., died Wednesday, July 24, 2013, at her residence. She was born on Nov. 21, 1928, in Belleville, Ill., the daughter of Curt and Louise Lindauer.
Marilyn started school in 1933 at the Union Grade School kindergarten, surviving the Belleville tornado of 1938, which damaged most of her school. She graduated from Belleville Township High School and enrolled in Washington University in 1946. She graduated from Washington University in 1949 and began her lifelong profession of being a wonderful school teacher. In 1954 she received her master's degree in education and continued to teach Belleville District 118's fifth-graders for the next 36 years (except for a one-year hiatus with the Houston, Texas, schools in 1955-56). Everything about her - composure, attitude, and countenance - suggested a very caring, knowledgeable, and dedicated teacher.
On June 18, 1955, Marilyn married Robert A. Francis, her loving mate and friend for the next 58 years. Their daughter, Carol Francis Jorns, was born in 1956. Marilyn was a first-rate and serious bridge player; a dedicated and thorough genealogist for both the Lindauer and Francis family trees; an ardent lover and reader of both fiction and non-fiction novels; and was very much addicted to the internet, Facebook, and the world of computer games. She also loved to travel and see the world, especially with family and/or friends.
Following in her parents' footsteps, Marilyn had the capacity and willingness to serve in many social, educational, and philanthropic organizations. As a young girl, she joined and was very active in the local and then the state Masonic Rainbow for Girls organization. She was a Worthy Advisor for Belleville Assembly No. 4, and later (1948) she served as the Grand Worthy Associate Advisor for the state organization. In later years, she also served on the advisory board for the Belleville chapter. She was a 50-year member of the Masonic Order of the Eastern Star. During her college years, she belonged to the Delta Gamma Sorority at Washington University. She served as president (1953-54) of the Belleville chapter of Beta Sigma Phi. In 1960 she served as the president of the Belleville Junior Women's Club. In 1965 she became a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society, an honorary educational society for teachers, and served as its president in 1975. In 1992 she became a member of Belleville's HR Chapter of the P.E.O. Sisterhood.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, Curt C. and Louise E., nee Brinkman, Lindauer.
Surviving are her husband, Robert A. Francis; her daughter, Carol L. (Bernard) Jorns of Millstadt, Ill.; her granddaughter, Lindsay E. (David) Miller of Bury St. Edmunds, England; her grandson, Curtis B. Jorns of Edwardsville, Ill.; her brother, Curt C. (Barbara) Lindauer of New Athens, Ill.; a host of nephews, nieces, grandnephews, and grandnieces; and many, many lifelong friends.
Memorials may be made to The Neuropathy Association, 60 East 42nd St., Suite 942, New York, N.Y. 10165. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday, July 28, 2013, and 10 to 11 a.m. Monday, July 29, 2013, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, Ill.
Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, July 29, 2013, at the funeral home with the Rev. Robert Landes officiating. Entombment will follow at Valhalla Mausoleum, Belleville, Ill.
GEORGE RENNER & SONS FUNERAL HOME, Belleville, Ill.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Mrs. Francis was my 6th grade math teacher at ABE LINCOLN. Had I not been bussed I would not have had the pleasure of having her teach me. One thing I will NEVER forget about her is her colorful socks she always wore. She was awesome. My prayers go to her family. She is now a beautiful ANGEL
Melody Perry
June 7, 2014
I loved this women my 5th grade teacher!!!
November 7, 2013
After 49 years since I was in her 5th grade class, I can look back a say Marilyn Francis was a talented and inspiring teacher and clearly a wonderful person. Thanks for making a difference in so many lives.
Joe Hoepker
July 28, 2013
Carol, so sorry to hear that your mother has passed. Thinking of her brings back many Rainbow memories! Wish we could have kept in touch! My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Peg (Harms) Twitchell
July 27, 2013
Mrs Francis was my best 5th grade teacher for math, I loved math and she took that extra step and started teaching me geometry.
Christopher Rolen
July 27, 2013
Mrs. Francis taught me 6th grade math at Abe Lincoln. While it was not my favorite subject, I loved having her as a teacher. Such a sweet and positive lady.
Mindee Betten Gonzalez
July 27, 2013
Marilyn was always such a wonderful, witty joy to be around. She was one of my favorite people in Rainbow! Our prayers are with you, Carol and Mr. Francis.
Kelley Kimmel Rutherford
July 27, 2013
My deepest sympathy to your family at this time. I will always remember Marilyn and how she was a role model to me during my days spent in Rainbow Girls. To your family....cherish the memories.
"Until We Meet Again"
Diana Heilman (née) Ebersohl and formerly Underwood
Nampa, ID
July 27, 2013
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Funeral services provided by:
George Renner & Sons Funeral Home120 North Illinois Street, Belleville, IL 62220
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