Marilyn C. Brachle

Marilyn C. Brachle (nee Mahoney), 88, of Darien, Illinois passed away on May 12, 2025, surrounded by her children. She was born on December 4, 1936, in Chicago, IL. She was married in 1958 to Paul Brachle, and together, they lovingly raised 8 children. At the age of 48, she earned a bachelor’s degree from Illinois Benedictine College (now Benedictine University) in Religious Studies and became the first Director of Adult Education at Our Lady of Peace Church in Darien, IL. She led Our Lady of Peace’s Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, marriage preparation, and faith formation programs, serving until her retirement.

 

Marilyn’s priorities were her faith, her family, and her community. She attended daily mass for the whole of her adult life. She was an avid reader and follower of current events. She loved a good game of poker, ice cream sundaes, her annual trip to South Haven with her children and grandchildren, and in her later years, cruises with her husband. Marilyn lived with dementia in her final years, and was cared for lovingly by her children, grandchildren, and a litany of dedicated caregivers and medical staff, to whom her family is deeply grateful.

 

She is preceded in death by her husband, Paul, her parents, Charles and Florence (nee Carroll) Mahoney, her sister Carol Russell, her brother-in-law John Russell, her sister-in-law Lois Manifold (nee Brachle), her brother-in-law Jack Manifold, and her grandson Tommy Williams. She is survived by her 8 children: Mary Brachle, Margaret Caine (Michael), Susan Garvin, Paul Brachle (Tracey), Nancy (Matthew) Tushman, Teresa Nadolski, John Brachle, and Sarah Wagner (Chris); and 17 grandchildren: Jack, Elizabeth (Sean), Brian, Nora, Caroline and Marty Garvin; Anna, Lily and Nova Tushman; Patrick, Daniel and Joshua Nadolski; Paul IV, Mary Kate and Maggie Brachle; Jane and Mitchell Wagner; and 1 great-grandchild, Sienna Wolohan.

 

Visitation will be held at Modell Funeral Home, 7710 S Cass Ave., Darien, on Friday, May 16, 2025 from 3:00 to 8:00 P.M. Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church at 701 Plainfield Rd., Darien, on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 9:00 A.M. Int. Queen of Heaven Cemetery.