Marilyn was born to the late Emil J. Donda and Mary A. Donda (née Coban) on April 2, 1935, in Berwyn, Illinois. She was the first of four children in the family, and she was the only girl. When she was young, she learned a hard work ethic, toughness, and many life skills from her mother, father, brothers, and the Girl Scouts, that would help her become an excellent wife and mother later in her life. She lived in Downers Grove, Illinois in the early part of her life and graduated from Downers Grove Community High School in 1953.
In 1956 she met her future husband, Andrew J. Hanacek of Chicago, Illinois. They soon fell in love and married in 1957. They eventually moved to Lisle in 1961 and built and moved into their permanent home in 1962. They started their family in 1960 when their first child, and only daughter, Andrea was born. The following year, in 1961, they had their second child, Mark. Their third child, Steven, was born in 1966. And their final child, Bryan was born in 1972.
Marilyn had a few hobbies and many talents, but no talent was more prevalent than her sewing prowess. Marilyn was constantly creating handcrafted items such as quilts, clothing, potholders, and other random craft items that she would give away to friends and family or even sell when the opportunity was present. It was a common occurrence to find her at Montana Charlie’s Flea Market during the weekends in the summer.
When she wasn’t working on a sewing project or reupholstering a piece of furniture, Marilyn could be found gardening or cooking. She was an excellent cook and baker, and her family dinners were always delicious. Her cookbook collection which included many hand-written recipes, was second to none. Marilyn’s cooking excellence was always on full display at the holidays when she would host family. Always cooking enough food to feed three armies, she would create practically everything from scratch and with such great attention to detail.
In 1990, when her husband Andrew became ill and was unable to work, Marilyn, after over 30 years of being an excellent homemaker, entered the workforce and became a cashier at a local drugstore in Lisle. After the passing of her husband in 1991, she continued to use her talents to work for another 25+ years before she finally retired. But she didn’t slow down much. In her 80’s, Marilyn continued to keep up with the house and yard maintenance and would rarely ask for help to do things. Even near the end of her life at the age of 87, you could come to visit her at her house, and you might find her doing one of her favorite things, mowing the yard with her John Deere tractor.
Marilyn was loved by all who knew her and will be deeply missed. She is survived by her children Andrea (Scott) Sahs of Downers Grove, IL; Mark Hanacek of Hot Springs, AR; Steven Hanacek of Lisle, IL and Bryan (Cyndi) Hanacek of Big Rock, IL; eleven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; three brothers; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, Emil and Mary Donda, her husband, Andrew J. Hanacek, and her grandchild, Carianne Sahs.
A visitation for family and friends will be held for Marilyn on October 21, 2022, at 9:30am - 11:30am at Chapel Hill Gardens West in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois. Immediately following the visitation, a short service to pay last respects will be held from 11:30am to Noon. Arrangements by Chapel Hill Gardens West Funeral Home & Cemetery, 17W201 Roosevelt Road, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181. 630-941-5860
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