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BORN
1947
DIED
2025
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Wendy Marks Obituary
Born: October 4, 1947 in Montreal, Canada
Died: December 22, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois
Wendy M. Marks, a longtime resident of Sterling, Illinois, passed away on December 22, 2025, after a short but courageous battle with a glioblastoma brain tumor.
Wendy, known in Hebrew as Shoshana Ruth bat Elena, was born in Montreal, Canada, to Walter and Helen Leckman on October 4, 1947. Though never giving up her Canadian citizenship, which she was fiercely proud of, she immigrated to the United States in 1970, after graduating from the prestigious McGill University with highest honors. She shortly thereafter met the love of her life, Sheldon, in a YMCA elevator in Peoria, Illinois, leading to 51 years of marriage.
A dietician and homemaker, Wendy was very active within her community, including volunteering within the Sterling schools, the Temple Sholom sisterhood, and serving on the Sterling Public Library Board for 25 years. A passionate advocate for reading, early childhood education, and public libraries, the day before she passed the Sterling Library honored Wendy by naming its summer reading program after her.
Wendy loved the Rolling Stones, Neil Diamond, gardening, rescue dogs, cheering at youth baseball and softball games, and supporting liberal political causes. Mostly she cherished being a mother to her three children and beloved "Gamma" to her seven grandchildren. Never a day went by when Wendy did not put kindness and caring into the universe, always thinking of others first.
She is survived by her husband, Sheldon, children, Dr. Natalie (Tod Schneiderman), Alex (Erica) Marks, and Barry (Lauren) Marks, and grandchildren Ella, Sophia, Ben, Evan, Maddie, Ace, and Sydney.
The family is having a private, family only graveside ceremony at Riverside Cemetery in Sterling. Shiva details to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Sterling Public Library, 102 W 3rd St, Sterling, Illinois 61081, attn: Wendy Marks Summer Reading Program, which will annually support over 250 area children reading.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Wendy Marks
Sponsored by Schilling Funeral Home.
5 Entries
Susan Bittner
January 2, 2026
Sorry for your loss Barry. It is hard to say goodbye but hold her memories close to your heart and she will be with you forever! I am Jeff Bittner mom and knew your mom years ago when I lived in Sterling.
Laurie R Regan
December 29, 2025
Dear Family of Wendy, Please accept my sincere condolences on her passing. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. I know very well the feelings of loss of your partner wife and mother, and the sadness of glioblastoma. I am thinking of you.
Mike Paris
December 28, 2025
She was a fine mother and person. I remember Wendy and your dad well. We are all so lucky to have learned from their examples. So sorry to hear that she has passed.
Bob and Kim Ptak
December 27, 2025
Our deepest sympathies to all the family. Our thoughts and prayers will continue for you all.
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Mary Jean Derreberry
December 26, 2025
I was so shocked to read this!! My thiughts and prayers go out to her fsmily! I met Wendy at St. Francis.School of Nursing when she was a dietician. She was a great teacher! Then I cared for Sheldon when he had surgery years ago. God bless this family during this great loss and please.goce them strength. Hold onto all your special memories!
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