Birth date: Jun 12, 1933 Death date: Mar 26, 2022
Sr. Marilynn Hofer, formerly Sr. Maryl, age 88 of the Srs. of St. Francis in Oldenburg, died unexpectedly on March 26, 2022 at the convent. Born on June 12, 1933 in Chicago, Illinois, she is the second of seven children born to Lo Read Obituary
When I served as Alumni Director at Marian, Sr. Marilynn came to work in our office as the Assistant Alumni Director. It wasn't long before she became the heart and soul of our office. Alumni flocked to visit with her, sitting with her for lengthy periods of time to share stories about their families, jobs and lives. As she had served for so many years as a faculty member of the Education Department, our office also became a hub for faculty and staff who missed having her at the faculty table and often dropped in to share thoughts and seek her wisdom. She became a strong mentor to the numerous work-study students who completed their hours as assistants in our office. She was a friend to the numerous alumni boards, committees and volunteers who worked to strengthen our programs and sponsor our events. To me she was a trusted and cherished friend and colleague. After her return to Oldenburg, we had lunch about every three months and I will miss those trips to Oldenburg when we were able to catch up on the news from campus and the news from alumni friends. Sr. Norma Rocklage often talked about people who were "gifts" in our lives. Sr. Marilynn was a gift to so many and I know she will always be there for us in our hearts and our spirits. Rest well, Dear Friend. It is now time to do the reunion planning in heaven. I'm sure your office there already has a long line of alumni who are happy to welcome you home.
When I served as Alumni Director at Marian, Sr. Marilynn joined our department as Assistant Alumni Director. She quickly became the heart and soul of the office. Alumni always stopped to see her when they came to campus, and her quiet demeanor seemed just what many needed as they spent long periods talking to her about their lives, jobs and families. Marilynn was a listener, and the alumni recognized that she would always hear them out. Additionally, our office was frequently a stopping off place for faculty and staff to sit and share thoughts with her. She had been such a beloved member of the Education Department for so many years that faculty from around the college sought her out because they missed her at the faculty table. She enjoyed working with the alumni boards and volunteers, and was a particularly great mentor to all of our work-study students who spent many hours working in our department. In addition to all these things, she was a very cherished friend to me, and, like our other alumni, I enjoyed spending quiet time with her in our office, or years later at regular lunches out after she retired to Oldenburg. Sr. Norma used to use the term "gift" to talk about those who were special to our lives. Sr. Marilynn was a gift to so many of us, and the true gift she gave us is that she will always remain with us in heart and spirit. Rest well, Marilynn. Your earthly job is done. I am sure you will have fun doing reunion planning in heaven. Maribeth
Sr. Marilynn was my instructor at Marian College. (now University) during the late 1980s. I remember her fondly. Prayers and peace to the family.
