Marlene Marie Sebrowski

Beloved mother, sister, aunt, and friend, Marlene Marie Sebrowski, passed away on August 21, 2025, at William J. Riley Memorial Residence. Marlene was born May 11, 1936, in Chicago Heights, IL to the late Ewald and Ruby (Heldt) Brands. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Crete, IL, where she was a lifelong member.

She was a graduate of Crete-Monee High School and afterwards worked at Rau Store and Tile-Tex.

On June 15, 1963, she married Alfred Sebrowski. They were blessed with one son, Kevin.

Marlene was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church, serving in many capacities. She helped with the Altar Guild duties for many years, taught Sunday School, babysat children of young moms so they could attend Bible classes, worked with her hands and heart for the Quilting Sew-Ciety, and provided many German potato salads for members' funeral luncheons. She even took her skills outside to help keep the grounds beautiful by looking after all the flowers. At the grade school, she was the librarian. More formally, Marlene served Trinity as the church secretary and financial recorder for many years.

Outside of her devotion to Trinity, Marlene enjoyed bowling, golf, swimming, biking, tennis, stitching and puzzles. Shortly after high school, she and her sister Del were a force to be reckoned with as they played for the Crete Orioles, a fast-pitch women's softball team. Del pitched to Marlene, the catcher. During their six seasons, they led the team to 4 championships and 2 second place finishes.

In 2018 she suffered a stroke and her health began to decline, becoming more evident in the past 2 years. Her sister, Del, lovingly provided constant care.

Marlene was preceded in death by her parents, Ewald and Ruby Brands, and her husband, Alfred, in November 1991.

Surviving her are her son, Kevin Sebrowski and his wife Cathy, stepdaughter Karen (Sebrowski) Gabes and her husband Ed, twin sister Delphene Brands, and brother Leon Brands and his wife Kathy, nephews Brian (Renee) Brands, Daniel (Stephanie) Brands, and Rick (Hillary) Brands, Sylvester Sebrowski, nieces Sylvia Sebrowski, Mary (Sebrowski) Verghese and her husband Rengy, plus cousins LeeAnn Kimmel and Edith Cole, many grand nieces and nephews, and extended family.

A funeral service will be held at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1393 Eizabeth St., Crete, IL on Tuesday, August 26 at 11:00 am. The family will greet friends from 10:00 am until the time of the service. Luncheon will follow the internment.

In lieu of flowers, consider a memorial to Trinity Lutheran, Illinois Lutheran School, or The Alzheimer's Association.