Marilyn J. (Meyer) Fontana, 83 of Freeport, IL passed away on Wednesday, October 26, 2011. She was born on April 13, 1928 in Dakota, IL to Harper and Gladys (Wise) Meyer, the second of nine children. After graduating from Dakota High School, Marilyn was a bookkeeper for Sears Roebuck and moved to Freeport, where she resided for the remainder of her life. On September 18, 1948, she married Joe Fontana who preceded her in death earlier this year. They had four children. While the children were young, Marilyn was a devoted home maker. Later in life, she attended Highland Community College and obtained an Associate Degree in business. She worked as an administrative assistant at the Highland Community College Foundation for several years.
Marilyn will be fondly remembered for her ability to grow beautiful flowers. Roses were her passion and her rose beds provided the finest of nature's beauty for all to enjoy. She was an excellent cook and pies were her specialty. She always made the crust from scratch and there was never a slice left.
Marilyn is survived by her daughters Paula (John) Spoonmore, Brownsburg, IN; Cynthia (Don) McIlnay, Mooresville, NC; sons Brent (Denise), Cedarville and Gary (Debra), Freeport; grandchildren Brad Spoonmore, Terre Haute, IN; Eric (Lindsey) Spoonmore, Bloomington, IN; Jennifer McIlnay, Ede, The Netherlands; Katilyn Fontana, Cedarville; Alexa and Blake Fontana, Freeport and great grandson Drew Spoonmore, Carmel, IN.
Also surviving are brothers Richard (Loretta) Meyer of Winnebago; Lowell Meyer of Rockford; Willard (Evelyn) Meyer of Polo; Vernon (Lorraine) Meyer of Polo; Wayne (Norma) Meyer of Mantua, OH, sisters LaVonne Diehl of Rockford; and Roberta (Carl) Weber of Polo and sister-in-law Angeline Homan of Freeport.
She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, sister and brother-in-law Alene & Robert Gilbert, brother-in-law Maurice Diehl and brother-in-law Kenneth Homan.
Services will be held 11:00am Saturday, October 29, 2011 at Walker Mortuary with visitation from 9:30am until time of service.
Burial will be in the Calvary Cemetery.
The family would like to express deep appreciation for the loving and compassionate care received from the staff at Parkview Home and FHN Hospice. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Stephenson County Humane Society or a charity of your choice.
Please view the Family Guest Book and sign the condolence page at www.walkermortuary.com