Marilyn Rodgon Rich

Marilyn Bernice Rich, nee Rodgon, preceded in death by her treasured husband George, beloved parents Robert and Edith and devoted brother Jack; most adored mother of Alan (Sarah), Robert (Alison), and Nikki (Glenn) Earich, doting grandmother of Edward, Alex, Josh, Olivia, Noah, Hannah, Katie, Graham, George and Evelyn, passed away on April 18, 2024 after an unexpected illness.

A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Northwestern University, Marilyn spent most of her life in Illinois raising her family after retiring from teaching while working two days a week in her husband’s optometry practice. In 1995, she and her family opened The Eyeland of St. John’s optical shop in Highland Park where she worked until 1999, when she and George moved to Boca Raton, Florida. In 2017, she moved to Dallas where she lived until her passing. An avid traveler, reader, and lifelong learner having become a bat-mitzvah at age 84, Marilyn was admired by many for her beautiful smile, silver hair, and stature. She was charming, fun to be with, and made friends everywhere she went. A Dallas memorial will be held on May 1st at 6:00 p.m. at the home of Sarah and Alan, 4021 Dalgreen Drive, Dallas, and a Chicago service/memorial will be held on June 7th at 10:00am, at Congregation Etz Chaim, 1710 S. Highland Ave., Lombard. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s.