Marion J. Hogenboom

She was born on Oct. 25, 1937, in Almont, Michigan, to George and Mamie (McMeans) Ellsworth. She graduated from Central Michigan University in 1959 with a mathematics major. She also completed a Master of Management degree from Northwestern University in 1980.

Marion taught high school math for two years following college graduation before leaving the workforce to raise her family. She became involved in the Oak Park schools when her children were in grade school, including PTA, committees interacting with the school board, and as chair of the committee formed to study ways to maintain racial balance in the schools. Subsequent to the committee completing its work, she was elected to the school board that implemented the committee’s recommendations.

After earning her Master of Management degree, she returned to the workforce as assistant dean of the graduate school of Northwestern University, and four years later as a professor of finance at Elmhurst College, from which she retired in 2000.

She and her husband, J. Dean Hogenboom, who predeceased her, were married on Aug. 22, 1959. They were longtime members of First United Church of Oak Park.

Survivors include their three children, Karen Hogenboom of Urbana, Illinois, Kathy (Greg) Olgers of Holland, Michigan, and Mark (Maryann) Hogenboom of Naperville, Illinois; five grandchildren, Eric (Elena), Alex, Kyle, David (Sarah) and Amy; a great-grandson, Jeremy; a sister, Doris McCullagh, a sister-in-law, Irene Hogenboom; and seven nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Wilma Powers; and three brothers-in-law, the Rev. Kermit Hogenboom, Pat McCullagh and Byron Powers.

Arrangements are by Blake Lamb Funeral Home of Lisle. In accordance with her wishes, she was cremated. No visitation is scheduled. A celebration of life will be scheduled for the summer at First United Church of Oak Park. In lieu of flowers, please consider sending donations to the Alzheimer’s Association of America.