MARILYN JOYCE THOMPSON

Marilyn Joyce Thompson was born December 17th, 1928 to Byron (Tommy) and Helen E. (Hoyt) Scott in Aurora, Il.  Marilyn passed March 25th, 2023 at Kishwaukee Hospital, DeKalb, Il.

Marilyn graduated "3rd in her class of 7” in 1946 from Big Rock High School.  Marilyn was a member of Big Rock Congregational Church and 1st United Methodist Church of DeKalb for over 50 years.

Marilyn graduated with a Home Economics Degree from Northern Illinois State Teachers College in 1950.  It was in college that Marilyn met her soon to be husband, Royce Thompson as he was good friends with Marilyns brother Burton Scott. It was also in during her college days that Marilyn became a member of the sorority Delta Zeta on the NISTC campus.  Some of Marilyn's fondest memories are those thru the acquaintances of her life long girlfriends Norma Beuter Larson, Dori Jenx, Gertrude Brigham to name a few.  Together with their husbands a life long journey of family gatherings were enjoyed by all.  Marilyn taught for 3 years post graduation, 1 year in Yorkville and 2 years in Malta High School.

Marilyn married Royce on June 30th, 1951 and they lived in DeKalb all of their lives.  Together they had 3 children, John(Pegi), Doug (Amy) and Janey.  They were proud grandparents of Lindsay (Chris Lipari), Parker, David, Chase, Allie, Marc, Evan, Trey & Tom and Great-Grandparents of Mia & Lewis Lipari.

Marilyn's life long career was supporting Royce in his building and remodeling of 6 homes in DeKalb and the design and build of her childhood dream of owning a lake home in Lake Mills, WI  Together they spent many days and evenings in their retirement years in the basement of their Thornbrook home designing, crafting and painting crafts for the church bazaar.  Probably many still have hanging on their Christmas trees today.

For hobbies Marilyn played golf and was a member of Kishwaukee Country Club for 40 years, was a volunteer at Kishwaukee Hospital for 50 years, was a member of Eastern Star, DeKalb Jr. Women's Club, loved refinishing furniture, a was true NIU Alum supporting both the Basketball and Football teams.  However, Marilyn's favorite of all, was Water Skiing behind “Popsadope” our boat, on Rock Lake.  Marilyn's last trip on the skis was when she was 85 years old and realized getting back in the boat was little harder than the year before.

After Royce's passing, Marilyn moved into her Apt at Oak Crest and found a new delight gathering with all of her friends from around town.  She so enjoyed the evening dinners sitting at the table with a different group every month.

Marilyn lived an enriched life from growing up on the farm to watching her brothers go off to War and being so thankful that they returned.  Her life in college was filled with laughter, she met the love of her life and finished her life missing the man that completed her. Ironically Marilyn passed the day before Royce turned 100 yrs old in Heaven - a true love story.

A Memorial Service will be held at 12pm on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, at First United Methodist Church, 321 Oak Street, DeKalb. Graveside service will follow at Oakwood Cemetery, 615 N 1st Street, DeKalb, IL 60115, followed by a Celebration of Life from 2pm to 4pm, 1470 S Peace Rd, Suite #101 Sycamore (Peace Rd & Hathaway).

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