Marilynne Wright

1947 - 2024

CHAMPAIGN - Marilynne Ann Wright, 77, of Champaign passed away Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria.

She was born on March 21, 1947, in Cicero, the daughter of Charles and Wanda (Popiel) Venturella. She married Michael Zopf on Oct. 7, 2000. He survives.

She is also survived by her daughter, Whitney Wright of Champaign; stepsons, Adam Zopf of Pasadena, Calif., and Eric (Sarah) Zopf of Wheeling; and five grandchildren, Trez, Arianna, Brooklynn, Haley and Frankie. She is also survived by her older sister, Charlene Blazejak of LaGrange.

After graduating from high school in Cicero, she came to Champaign to attend the University of Illinois, where she graduated in 1949 with a bachelor's degree in English. At the UI, she became a member of the Kappa Delta sorority, which she was still involved with until she passed. After she graduated, she worked for Robeson's Department Store then went on to own the Johnstown General Store on the UI campus. She then began her career of 40 years, making lifelong friendships, as a real estate agent for Miller and Miller.  Later she worked for ReMax Realty Associates until she retired.

Marilynne loved to ski on the mountains of Aspen, Colo. She was also an avid runner, played tennis and golfed as an active member of Lincolnshire Fields Country Club for many years. While attending the UI, she became a huge fan of the Illini football and basketball programs. She loved attending almost every home and some away games for both sports.

She loved spending time with her family and grandchildren. She and one graddaughter shared the same birthday.

Marilynne had a tremendous love for all animals, especially her late dogs Zach, Torey and Jake. They were more like her children than pets.

The family is asking in lieu of flowers to please make a donation to the Champaign County Humane Society, which Marilynne supported for many years.

Marilynne was one of the most loving and caring people you would ever meet. She will be greatly missed by so many.

There will be no funeral, instead a celebration of life on Oct. 5 at Lincolnshire Fields Country Club from 2 to 5 p.m. Arrangements were entrusted to Heath & Vaughn Funeral Home, 201 N. Elm St., Champaign.