Marguerite Mary Hester

Marguerite Mary Hester died peacefully at home on September 13th, 2025. She was born on August 20th, 1935 to Joseph and Mary nee Kell Hester in Oak Park, IL, the youngest of four siblings; Joseph (Dolores) Hester, Jr., Kathryn (Thomas) McElligott, and Jack (Anne) Hester. Although Marge never had children of her own, she was the much loved Aunt Marge of over 50 nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews. Aunt Marge kept up to date with everyone's activities, sharing them with friends and family with great pride and joy.

Marge was a woman ahead of her time. She was bright, out-spoken, strong-willed, adventurous, and funny. She graduated from Rosary College in 1954 with a degree in Chemistry and worked in a laboratory setting where she thrived at a time when few women pursued careers as professional chemists. After a few years one of her many friends recruited her to move south to Florida and the Cayman Islands where she worked managing hotels and restaurants while indulging her love of sun, sea, travel, and friends. Marge returned to Illinois in the early 80's to her beloved and growing family and started her third career after obtaining her real estate license. She had found her niche. She became a top seller, acted as mentor to others entering the field and served on several Committees with the Realtors Association of Northwest Chicago where she chaired the Grievance Committee.

Marge's love of family and friends was matched only by her intellect and varied interests. She read voraciously, visiting the local library weekly and subscribing to over 40 magazines monthly. She read every page. She played championship bridge; won trivia games in bars; and attended the ballet, symphony, plays, and Broadway musicals. She never turned down an invitation or get together. She was the life of the party. She will be missed by all whose lives she touched and enriched with her wit and wisdom, but especially by all her family who adored our Aunt Marge.

Visitation will be held Friday October 17th, 2025 from 9:00 to 10:30 am at Ryan Parke Funeral Home, 120 S. Northwest Highway, Park Ridge. Funeral, Friday, October 17th, 10:30 am from Ryan-Parke Funeral Home to Saint Paul of the Cross, 320 S Washington Street, (across the street from the funeral home), Park Ridge, IL 60068 for Mass at 11:00 am. Interment All Saints Cemetery in Des Plaines.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of Marge's favorite charities that she supported so generously throughout her life:

Native American Schools

Wildlife habitat Maintenance

Animal Shelters

and Veterans.

Funeral information please call (847) 823-1171 or visit ryan-parke.com