Marian Helen (Cederna) Jenkins

Marian Helen (Cederna) Jenkins died peacefully at home on January 2, 2023, after 89.8 years of family, joy, church, volunteering, praying the rosary, reading, watching sports, appreciating nature, card playing, word puzzles, and gratitude throughout.

Marian was born on April 6, 1933, in Iron River, MI to Helen Charlotte (Anderson) Cederna & George Andrew Cederna. She treasured her childhood memories and extended family in Iron River, MI and Waukegan, IL along with the beaches of Lake Michigan. After graduating from Waukegan Township High School, she attended Illinois State University - Normal, making lifelong friends and earning her B.S. in Education.

Nine months after marrying Harry Ghlee Jenkins, Jr. on 6/16/1956, in Waukegan, IL, she began her most cherished role as mother, giving birth to 5 “delightful daughters”; Teresa Lynn Jenkins, Tina Lenore Jenkins (infant born and deceased 1958), Jolyn Marie (Bob) Jensen, Tani Elise (Jeff) Getzelman, and Jenée Adele (Bruce) Jenkins-Wolfram. Marian raised her girls while continuously volunteering, leading Girl Scouts, working with the hospital auxiliary, substitute teaching, working in the china department at Prange’s/Bergner’s, and later for the work release program in Winnebago County, while lovingly supporting her husband. She also opened her heart and her home to other bonus daughters along the way, including Judy Cors and Angie Turner.

Every community Marian lived in she devoted herself to her Catholic Parish by getting involved with nearly every aspect of the church through the years. She enjoyed spending time with the Sisters of the Sacred Heart Convent where she became a Dominican Associate.

Marian loved children and babies, and the time she had with her 8 grandchildren, Miranda Gale (Tanner) Jenkins, Scott Jeffrey (Rachel) Getzelman, Michael Andrew (Erin) Fasula, Alexandra Jean (Andy) Vargo, Jason Anthony (Rachel) Fasula, Cameron Anéla Wolfram, Cole Elijah Wolfram, and Cooper George Wolfram; and her 7 “precious babies”, her great-grandchildren, Tyler, Luciana, Violet, Cam, Isabella, Ellie, and Zelda.

She is also survived by her beloved sister, Nancy (Don, deceased) Barth and several nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and cousins.

Marian is preceded in death by her parents; husband; infant daughter; and multiple pets.

As she approached the end of her life, Marian often reminded us how grateful she was to have lived a long full life with so much love and joy. Each year around her birthday she would comment about wanting “credit for time served.” So, if anyone asks, Marian died at the age of 89.8 and not one day sooner.

And He will raise her up on eagle’s wings. Bear her on the breath of dawn. Make her to shine like the sun. And hold her in the palm of His Hands, as she faithfully knew he would.

Cremation will be provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to ceremonies.

Gathering and Memorial Mass: Family will receive friends from 10:00 until 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 7, 2023, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Springfield, IL. A Funeral Mass will follow at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Jeff Grant, celebrant.

Inurnment will be held at Camp Butler National Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Dominican Sisters of Sacred Heart Convent, 1237 West Monroe St., Springfield, IL 62704 or https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E229831&id=14

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home-Springfield, 900 S. Sixth St., Springfield.