August 20, 1929 – October 31, 2026
Marilyn Mae Berger Simon, born August 20th, 1929, passed away peacefully at Glenbrook Hospital on October 31st, 2026, at the age of 97, with her daughter, Lisa, by her side.
She was the daughter of the late Leo and Esther Berger, and was predeceased by her sister, Roslyn. Marilyn attended Peterson Elementary School and Von Steuben High School, then went on to the University of Illinois, where she studied communications and was one of the first female cheerleaders in the Big Ten, as part of a group of five. She was a serial dater, with many suitors in both high school and college. After college she worked for Foote, Cone & Belding in the PR department. In 1955, she married the love of her life, and she was an extremely devoted wife to Sheldon, who predeceased her. Sheldon and Marilyn happily started their family in 1956. She was a wonderful mother who welcomed everyone into the family's 1,200-square-foot home, which became the center of play for all of their friends. It was known for its Hostess cupcake cabinet, its Good Humor freezer and its no-rules play in the backyard.
Marilyn was a nursery schoolteacher who went on to own her own nursery school, Bannockburn Woods Nursery School, for over two decades. Her love for children was a source of absolute joy in her life. With Sheldon, she was a founding member of the Birchwood Tennis Club, where she made many friends and was an avid tennis player. Above all was her pride and joy in her family. She was universally regarded as the quintessential mother and the kindest human being. She drove countless carpools, attended thousands of her children’s school activities and was active in the PTA and politics. She is survived by her daughter, Lisa, and her sons, David "Scooter" (Pam), Jonathan (Lin), and Adam (Gail); her grandchildren, Alex, Molly, Ethan, Gregory, Teddy, Noah, Jade, Macy, and Ella; and her great-grandchildren, Bjorn, Asa, Ivan, and Shaya.
Funeral at 11:00 am CST on Wednesday 11/4/26 at Anshe Emet Synagogue, 3751 N Broadway, Chicago, IL. Interment immediately following at Memorial Park Cemetery, 9900 Gross Point Road, Skokie, IL.
Shiva immediately following at Bryn Mawr Country Club, 6600 N Crawford in Lincolnwood from 3:00 pm - 8:00 pm on Wednesday, November 4, and on Thursday, November 5, from 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm at the home of Pam and Scooter Simon.
Donations, in lieu of flowers, may be made to the SIMON FUND at Anshe Emet Synagogue, 3751 N. Broadway, Chicago, IL 60657 or at www.ansheemet.org
