Marilyn Boschert

1941 - 2024

Marilyn Boschert

December 31, 1941 - May 4, 2024

Lewisville, Texas - Marilyn Kay Lee Boschert died peacefully at her son and daughter-in-law's home on Saturday, May 4, 2024, in Lewisville, TX. She was born on December 31, 1941, in Belleville, IL. Her parents were Thomas and Kathleen Lee of Marissa, IL.

Marilyn was preceded in death by John Thomas Boschert, her best friend and loving husband of fifty-five years. She was the caring and devoted mother to her son, CAPT Jeffrey Boschert, U.S. Navy; and her daughter, Kristine Polley, who preceded her in death. She is also survived by her daughter-in-law, Deborah Boschert; and son-in-law, Dr. William Polley. She was the loving and proud grandmother of Claire Boschert, Benjamin Boschert, Zachary Polley, and Elizabeth Polley. She was preceded in death by her brother, Richard Lee, and sister, Nancy Graves. She is also survived by many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Marilyn graduated from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale with a Bachelor of Science in Education. After graduating from SIU, she started her teaching career near Denver, Colorado. She met her future husband, Tom, during a serendipitous visit to her hometown over summer break. Marilyn's parents were the owners of the Marissa Messenger, and Tom, a student at SIUE, was doing an internship at the paper and living at their home. Tom and Marilyn were married the following summer in August of 1967.

For more than five decades, Marilyn and Tom were inseparable. During their time in the Air Force, they lived in Texas, California, and Maine. After leaving the military, they lived in Ohio and the Netherlands before returning to southern Illinois to be close to family. Over the course of her life, Marilyn taught a variety of students at different points in their academic journeys. She spent twenty years as a pre-school teacher while her own children were in school, and then finished her career teaching young adults completing high school.

Marilyn was a faithful member of St. George's Episcopal Church in Belleville for more than forty years. Some of her favorite memories included seeing both of her children married in the church, singing with the choir at the National Cathedral in Washington D.C., and organizing with her husband numerous fellowship and charitable activities including St. George Day, Rally Day, ice cream socials, and chili cookoffs. Her ashes will be interred at the St. George's Memorial Garden after her memorial service.

The characteristics that made Marilyn a distinguished teacher made her an even better person. Her kindness, patience, generosity, encouragement, love, and support made her beloved by her students and cherished by her family and friends. Marilyn loved attending Broadway musicals with Tom, especially at the Fabulous Fox and the Muny. Of all the shows they saw, Les Misérables held a special place in their hearts. Over the years, they took many trips to visit family and friends. They also enjoyed traveling with a close group of church friends. Marilyn took particular delight in spending time with her grandkids. She loved finding unique ways to connect with each of them as they grew into extraordinary young adults. She was especially grateful to have all of her grandchildren together this past Christmas for a special week knowing that she was nearing the end of her life.

Marilyn will be greatly missed and fondly remembered. Her memory and legacy will carry on in the many family, friends, and students whose lives she touched during her remarkable life.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Marilyn's name may be made to St. George's Episcopal Church, 105 East D Street, Belleville, IL 62220, or to Siteman Cancer Center, MSC 1247-HAN-900, 101 South Hanley, Suite 900, St. Louis, MO 63105. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.

Visitation: A visitation will be held from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday, June 15, 2024, at St. George's Episcopal Church, Belleville, IL.

Funeral: A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 15, 2024, at St. George's Episcopal Church, Belleville, IL, with Fr. Mark Ohlemeier officiating. The burial will be immediately after the service in the St. George's Memorial Garden. There will be a luncheon in the parish hall following the burial.