She was born on July 16, 1949, in Peoria, IL to Leonard Grant England and Pearl Rosalie (Hewitt) England and was the first daughter of five children: Leonard, Norman, Marilyn, Roy, and Cynthia. Marilyn graduated from Peoria High School and promptly wed Michael Riddle Jr., with whom she remained married for 45 years until his passing in 2013 from Parkinson’s disease.
Marilyn was a devoted homemaker for her family. She loved her husband, Mike, and was so proud of her children. Once her five grandchildren arrived, she cherished spending time with them and spoiling them with cookies and treats, even into their teens and twenties. During Mike’s battle with Parkinson’s, Marilyn was his primary caregiver and supported him until his passing.
She enjoyed caring for children and spent many years babysitting for other families to help during pre-school years. More recently, Marilyn volunteered at Proctor Hospital.
Marilyn had a youthful energy that touched everyone who met her. She could start and hold a conversation with anyone and had a genuine interest in the people she met. She loved her friends dearly and appreciated all the time she spent with them biking, having lunch, and shopping—especially if she had coupons to use! Her unabashed silliness and laughter will be greatly missed.
Marilyn is survived by: her daughter Chris (Rod) Bray of Bloomington; son Mike (Karyn) of Madison, WI; five grandchildren, Mason (Maddie) Bray, Zachariah, Kendall, Owen, and Elliot; her sister Cindy (Jeff) Phillips; and her brothers Roy (Anna) England and Leonard England.
A celebration of life service will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 27 at Davison-Fulton Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home at 2408 Willow Knolls Dr. in Peoria. A reception will follow at 5:00 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation.
Share a personal memory or express your condolences at Marilyn’s memorial web page at www.woolsey-wilton.com.
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