Marilyn Karp Hanley

Marilyn Karp Hanley, age 59, passed away at home on December 22, 2015, surrounded by her family and friends. She was born in Chicago on December 5, 1956, to the late Harry and Emily Karp. She is survived by her husband, Gar F. Brown of Springfield, sons Daniel M. Hanley (Marybeth) of Tinley Park, David V. Hanley of Oak Forest, Adrianne Brook (Trixie) Hanley of Chicago, two grandchildren, Eileen Rose and Eve Ella Hanley, sister, Ellen Karp of Chicago, and her two beloved dogs, Honey Girl and Sugar Bear. Marilyn is also survived by seventeen first cousins. Marilyn was a resident of Springfield since 1993. Her profession was that of a meeting planner, most significantly with Management Resource Specialists Inc. Marilyn was known for her sardonic wit, straight talk, eye for design and especially for her kindness and compassion toward those she loved. She enjoyed her friends, family, good food, and most of all, her children, grandchildren, and her dogs. Cremation will be accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to ceremonies. Marilyn fought a valiant battle with ovarian cancer for over ten years. At the end, she believed that her purpose in this lifetime was to love. She surrendered at last to her illness with peace and dignity shining her light on all who knew and loved her. Memorial Ceremony and Gathering: Memorial Ceremony will be held at 5:15 p.m. on Wednesday, December 30, 2015 at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield with Rabbi Barry Marks officiating. The gathering will follow the ceremony until 8:00 p.m. Additional Memorial Gathering: Memorial gathering will be held from 4:30-6:30 p.m. on Monday, January 4, 2016 at the Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Gardens in the E.G. Simpson Clubhouse, 7402 W. Lake Katherine Dr., Palos Heights, IL 60463. Please visit www.lakekatherine.org for information and directions. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 675 East Linton Avenue, Springfield, IL 62703.