Marianne Delaney

MARIANNE C. DELANEY,age 54 of Maple Park, passed away peacefully at her home, Monday afternoon, July 14, 2008 after three years of living valiantly while fighting courageously with cancer.She was born June 22, 1954 in Oak Park, IL. Marianne grew up in Chicago where her family lived on Mason Avenue. She attended Notre Dame High School for girls through her Junior year when she transferred to St. Charles High School. Following graduation with the class of 1972, she was united in marriage to Steve Richardson. They made their home in Virgil and Marianne worked for UPS in St.Charles. When her son, Matthew was born, she took a waitress job at the Farm Restaurant so that she could be at home during the day. Through the ensuing years, Mary Beth and Julie were born and the family continued to live near Virgil. Marianne and Steve went their separate ways in 1987 and Marianne moved to Maple Park. In 1989, Marianne was united in marriage to Mark Delaney. They enjoyed numerous travels to England, Italy, Mexico and Florida, where they made many memories with life-long friends. In her career, Marianne worked for the Kane County State’s Attorney’s office under David Ackemann.For two years, she worked as well with the Attorney General’s Office in Chicago before returning to Kane County to work for auditor, Bill Keck. In February of 2005, the stunning diagnosis of Thymic Cancer ended her career and she began her relentless battle against this rare cancer. With numerous rounds of chemotherapy and radiation she kept pushing back the disease and claiming life one day at a time. She lost her hair but not her smile, she gained weight and lost it too, but her tenacious spirit never gave up hope and her sense of humor laughed in the face of many hard times. Marianne believed in Maple Park and, even as she fought cancer, she continued to organize the Maple Park Fun Fest Parade for the last four years. She was also a devoted fund raiser for the Maple Park Neediest Family Fund. Her children and grandchildren were Marianne’s inspiration throughout her life. In her quiet times, she loved to read Irish novels and play Euchre. Marianne was a "die-hard" Sox and Bears fan (although ironically, she was the holder of an autographed program from a Cubs game!) More recently, she stepped boldly into the Red Hat Society and had her picture taken with "Elvis". SURVIVORS In addition to her husband Mark, she is survived by her family of two sons and five daughters: Matthew (Tyler) Richardson of Batavia, ILMary Beth (Kurt) Long of Sycamore, ILJulie Richardson of Cortland, ILJenny (Derek) Wagner of Aurora, ILKim (Aaron) Stewart of Ripon, CA,Eric Delaney of Yorkville, ILBecky (Ben) Robbennoldt of Elgin, ILTwelve grandchildren: Mary Beth & Kurt’s :Keegan and Braeden; Julie‘s:Kaya and Kennedy;Jenny’s: Drew,Lindsey, Benjamin, Logan, Ethan and Rachael;Kim’s:Madeline "Maddy" and Abigail "Abby";four siblings:Michael (Jo) Curtin of Geneva, IL,Patrick Curtin of Chicago, Cathy Lee of Chicago, IL andJim (Mary) Curtin of Chicago, IL;two nephews:Michael and Kevin Curtin;and a family of good friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, James and Lucille (Wall) Curtin and one brother-in-law, Dick Lee.VISITATION / FUNERAL Visitation will be held Friday, July 18 from 2-8pm at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn. Her funeral mass will be celebrated Saturday, July 19, 2008 at 10:30 am at the Church of St. Mary, Maple Park. MEMORIAL A memorial to benefit Thymic Cancer Research and other favorite charities. Has been established in his/ her name. Memorial checks may be made to the Marianne Delaney Memorial and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, IL 60119. Personal tributes and memories may also to the same address or forwarded to the family through www.conleycare.com. For information visit www.conleycare.com or call 630-365-6414 / 800-8-CONLEY.

VISITATION / FUNERAL Visitation will be held Friday, July 18 from 2-8pm at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn. Her funeral mass will be celebrated Saturday, July 19, 2008 at 10:30 am at the Church of St. Mary, Maple Park.

MEMORIAL A memorial to benefit Thymic Cancer Research and other favorite charities. Has been established in his/ her name. Memorial checks may be made to the Marianne Delaney Memorial and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, IL 60119. Personal tributes and memories may also to the same address or forwarded to the family through www.conleycare.com. For information visit www.conleycare.com or call 630-365-6414 / 800-8-CONLEY.