Malene Ejlersen Cavin

Malene was born on August 27th, 1966, to Ida Marie Ejlersen and Jørgen Valdemar Franklin Simonsen in Odense, Denmark. In 1983, she met Keith while she was an exchange student in North Carolina before he entered the Air Force.

It was a long-distance relationship until Keith was stationed in West Germany in 1985. They were married in Denmark on July 4th, 1987. Malene and Keith went on to have three kids, John, Lachesis, and Karen.

A skilled artist, Malene also had a keen mind for science. She held a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of Central Missouri and was a beloved presence in the local arts-and-crafts vending community. She was clever, witty, kind, generous, funny, and warm, and despite her family moving frequently, built lasting friendships with people from across the world.

Malene was predeceased by her parents, Ida and Jørgen Valdemar, her brother Dan Franklin Simonsen, and her sister Mulle Franklin Larsen. She is survived by her husband, Keith, her three children, John, Lachesis, and Karen. She is also survived by her sisters, Katrine Franklin Mai-Jørgensen and Heidi Susanne Franklin Simonsen.

A celebration of life will be held at Lake View Funeral Home, 5000 N. Illinois Fairview Heights, IL, on Saturday, January 20, 2024 from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the National Brain Tumor Society.