Melinda M. Cochran of Naples, Florida, formerly Oak Brook, Illinois passed away peacefully on Sunday July 9th surrounded by her family. Melinda bravely fought cancer for over 2 years. Melinda was born in Chicago on May 6th, 1954. She is preceded in death by her father Lavern Miller, mother Twilah (Page) Miller, and brother Douglas Miller. Melinda is survived by her husband of 41 years Mark Cochran and by her twin boys Michael Cochran and Randall Cochran. She is also survived by her daughter-in-law Nicole (wife of Michael) and beautiful granddaughter Kaylee.
Melinda grew up in Glenview, Illinois and graduated from Glen Brook High school in 1972. She then attended Drake University where she received a Degree in Journalism in three years. After Graduation Melinda worked at Stoelting Co for 49 years, serving as Vice President of the psychological testing division. Melinda was a loving mother and was greatly involved her children’s activities. She served as the Oak Brook Cub Scout Master for 3 years and was a member of the Oak Brook Little League Board. Melinda enjoyed Golf and Tennis and was a 30-year member of River Forest Country Club where she served on many of the ladies’ boards, ultimately serving as President of the women’s golf group. Melinda was an avid animal lover with a particular fondness for Golden Retrievers. Melinda enjoyed traveling with her family and friends and was always looking forward to the next adventure. Her love of life and sharing these adventures with her family and friends was her best quality.
The visitation will be held on Thursday, July 13th, 2023 from 4 - 8pm, and on Friday morning from 9 - 10am at Chapel Hill Gardens West Funeral Home, 17W201 Roosevelt Road, Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois. Funeral services will be held at Chapel Hill Gardens West Funeral Home on Friday at 10:00am. Entombment will be private.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the doctors and nurses for the outstanding and compassionate care Melinda received at the Northwestern University Medical Center during her courageous battle with cancer. In Melinda’s memory, donations may be made to Northwestern Memorial Foundation online at: https://nmgive.donordrive.com/event/melindacochran Your gift will support Nursing Education. Donations can also be made over the phone at (833) 443-8663, or mailed to Northwestern Memorial Foundation, PO Box 734985, Chicago, Illinois 60673-4985. Please make check payable to “Northwestern Memorial Foundation” and include Melinda Cochran in the memo line. For more information please call (630) 941-5860.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ChapelHillGardensWest.com for the Cochran family.
DONATIONS
Northwestern Memorial FoundationP.O. Box 734985, Chicago, IL 60673-4985
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