Marilyn Jean Cheslik

Marilyn J. Cheslik, a sweet, loving, and deeply caring mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 20, 2026, just days shy of her 90th birthday. Born on February 26, 1936, in Richmond, Indiana, Marilyn spent her life devoted to caring for others-a calling she truly thrived on.

Marilyn earned her nursing degree through the Reed Hospital School of Nursing in Richmond Indiana, becoming a Registered Nurse in November of 1957. Nursing was more than a profession to her; it was a reflection of her generous heart.

After graduating, she moved to Pontiac Michigan. While working at a hospital in Pontiac, Marilyn met the love of her life unexpectedly. A patient's sister thought her brother, Walter, visiting from Marion, Indiana, should meet her wonderful nurse-and that was how it began. Marilyn & Walter married on September 9, 1969 in Richmond Indiana.

After marrying, Marilyn devoted herself to being a stay-at-home mother, ensuring her children were surrounded by love and stability. Marilyn & Walter were married for seventeen years, until Walter passed away in 1986. In 1989 she returned to the work force as an RN for Dr.Guevara's practice in Marion, later also working at Colonial Oaks Nursing Home.

She was a very special lady-one who always saw the positive in every situation and whose greatest joy was time spent with family. Visits with her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren, Leo, Nellie, and Asher, who held a special place in her heart. She always had a cute song to sing to calm them.

Marilyn had a strong Faith and attended Trinity Lutheran Church, Wabash Indiana, through the '70s, '80s, and '90s.She found beauty in the simple things: the glow of Christmas lights hanging in her window each holiday season-the vibrant colors of nature, hummingbirds fluttering at the feeders, and butterflies dancing through the yard. In her later years she really enjoyed relaxing with her coloring books and keeping her brain sharp with her puzzle books.

She is survived by her sister, Evelyn Charles of Centerville, Indiana; her daughter, Marie Cheslik (Michael Townsend) of Marion; and her son, Fred Cheslik (Heather) of Lake St. Louis, Missouri. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Kyla Cheslik of Marion, Indiana; Walter Cheslik (Grace) of O'Fallon, Missouri; Abby Little of Fairmount, Indiana; and Lillian and Charlotte Cheslik, both of Lake St. Louis, Missouri. In addition, she leaves behind her great-grandchildren, Nelly Cheslik, Leo Alexander, and Asher Clem.

Marilyn's life was defined by love - love for her family, love for her friends, and love for the countless people she cared for throughout her long nursing career. She will always be remembered as what we should strive to be in life; Kind, Patient, Loving and relentlessly Optimistic.

A service celebrating Marilyn's life will be held Friday, February 27 at 11:00 a.m. at Gardens of Memory Cemetery Mausoleum 11201 S. Marion Rd-35 Marion In. 46952.