Marianne Malecha

Marianne Malecha (nee Sampson), beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on April 5, 2025, just weeks before her 93rd birthday. Born on April 28, 1932, in Waseca County, Minnesota, Marianne was raised on a rural farm by her parents, Eleanor and Oscar Sampson, alongside her brothers Joe and Clarence. Life without modern conveniences like central heating or indoor plumbing shaped Marianne’s lifelong DIY ethic and her dedication to healthy cooking, sewing, home repair, and community service. From a young age, Marianne’s talents shone brightly. As a member of 4H in high school, she designed, sewed, and modeled a dress and coat that won first prize at the Minnesota State Fair. She later pursued trade school and became an administrative assistant. In 1952, she married the love of her life, August “Gus” Malecha. Together, they began a journey that took them to Texas, Wisconsin, and Illinois. They welcomed six children: Gus “JR”, Cathy, Mari, Annie, Jim, and Peggy. Marianne’s life was marked by resilience and adaptability, moving often with Gus’s work for the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad. The family lived in several states before finally settling in Bloomingdale, Illinois, in the 1960s. There, Marianne devoted herself fully to raising her children and contributing tirelessly to her local community, especially St. Isidore Parish. She was the neighborhood’s beloved “Cookie Mom,” an Avon Lady, election judge, Girl Scout leader, and the ever-generous provider of home-baked cookies and popsicles. At St. Isidore’s, she played a pivotal role in establishing Monday night Bingo, coordinating the kitchen and volunteers, and raising critical funds for the school. She organized meals for families in need, crafted for church bazaars, and earned the Woman of the Year award from the Council of Catholic Women. She and Gus were major benefactors for the new church and established a scholarship in their name for rising 8th graders. In retirement, Marianne and Gus traveled the world, cruising through the Caribbean, South Pacific, Hawaii, and Panama Canal. They wintered in warm climates, enjoying time with fellow snowbirds. Marianne’s greatest joy was her family. She was ever-present, showing up to events with treats, handmade gifts such as embroidered kitchen towels and whole angel food cakes for any celebration, and love in abundance. She is now reunited in heaven with her husband Gus. Survived by her large family including her children Gus “JR” Malecha (Jody), Cathy Collier, Mari Turley (Roger), Annie Malecha (George Hadjiloizou), Jim Malecha (Megan), and Peggy Monsen (Eric); grandchildren Ellen Malecha, August “Gus” Malecha, Meredith Frame (Matt), Roger Turley, Elizabeth Collier, Michael Turley (Joel Frank), Alexia Marcynuk (Aaron), Catherine Hadjiloizou, Lauren Baier (Alex), Rose Keller (Chris), Matt Malecha (Erin), Sonja Regan (Michael), Emily Witous (Johnny), Marianna Hadjiloizou (Zach Dunn), Claire Ryan (MJ), Thor Cornell, and Joey Cornell; great-grandchildren Violet, Stella, Rosie Lou, Easton, Costas,Grace, Noah, Charlotte, Liam, Josie, and twin great-grandsons arriving very soon and many cherished furry grandpets and great-grandpets. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of all she touched with her strength, kindness, and unyielding devotion to family and community. A gathering before the funeral mass will be held on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at 9:00am, at Salerno’s Rosedale Chapel, 450 W. Lake Street, Roselle, IL. The funeral mass follows at 10:45am at St. Isidore’s Parish, 427 W. Army Trail Road, Bloomingdale, IL 60108. Due to Lent, no flowers allowed in the church. Interment will be at the St. Isidore’s cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Malecha Family Scholarship fund: St. Isidore Catholic School, 431 W. Army Trail Road, Bloomingdale, IL 60108