Marilyn Hejnosz Obituary

It is amazing to see a new message about Marilyn on this site after so much time. But even more amazing is that my husband and I were talking about my pen-pal relationship with Marilyn LAST NIGHT when my long-ago college roommate was visiting. It was lovely remembering such a special friend whom I never met in person. But we shared years of life experiences through our many, many letters. Marilyn definitely lives on in our hearts.

Lost a wonderful friend from our college days. Rest in our Lord.

My condolences go out to the family. Mrs. Hejnosz was my French teacher for 4 years at Mother Guerin. Not only did she teach me French, she taught me to love French. I love the language and I know that this is a result of her passion for teaching and for French. I still remember the day I finally got to Paris and saw the Notre Dame Cathedral. Her voice was with me describing ever last detail of that cathedral. She left us too soon but her legacy lives on. She was a fabulous woman and a wonderful teacher. God bless her soul and her family.

My dearest Mar it's almost a year since you been gone. I miss you more than ever. I've been taking care of Debbie and your Mom just like my father is watching over you. You were his other daughter.One day we will be together again. Forever yours faithfully. Joe

I only had Mrs. Hejnosz for one year, as part of the exchange program Holy Cross High School shared with Mother Guerin. There were only five of us boys in that class, and I remember the warmth she showed each of us, being strangers in a strange land, so to speak. I was also in an odd position as I was actually a senior in that class and left before the school year was over. She was helpful to me and always had a kind or encouraging word. My thoughts and prayers to her family and friends.

It seems odd to be sending this email in October after Marilyn passed away in January. I attended St. Eugene's with Marilyn and remember how hard she worked for our 25th Reunion so many years ago. The Reunion was a total success due in a large part to her. I also attended Mother Theodore Guerin with her as well. I was checking out the Guerin Prep website today regarding our 40th Reunion and saw the notice for the Memorial Mass on Sunday, November 4. Unfortunately, I am not able to attend due to a conflict but please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. I am in total shock. I will always remember her ready smile and her willingness to help others. Just looking at all of the emails that were sent, she was a beloved teacher and a dear friend to many.

Madame was one of a kind. I cherish my 4 years of French at Guerin, and still sing Christmas Carols en Francais. I saw Mme. at my 15th reunion in 1998 and she hadn't changed one bit! My deepest sympathies to her family and friends.

I just got an e-mail today with the announcement of her passing. At first I was trying to think of how I could fly back to Chicago ( I live in California now), and then the date registered. But I would have. She was one of my favorite teachers. I took 3 years of French and always looked forward to see what little outfit she would put together. She always had those cute skirts and blouses. And NEVER the same one twice ! Once when she was absent, I joked that she must have run out of things to wear. I was her student from 1974-1978. She was smart, funny, and kind and she will be missed.

It is with a heavy heart that I just today found out that Marilyn has passed away. I remember her as Marilyn Micek from St. Eugene's where we both went to grade school. She was an outstanding student, a role model for us all, and friendly to everyone.

I'm an alumna of Guerin, in fact, was her classmate in the graduating class of 1967, the second class to graduate there. I loved Guerin, what it stood for, and the friendships made.

I have followed Marilyn's career though Guerin newsletters, but had no idea of her illness. My heart goes out to her husband, parents and sister. I read with a full heart all the lovely tributes given to her, and even though she left this world way too young, she obviously has left her mark on many lives.

May she rest in peace ---

Peggy (Barkley) Hodel

I am so deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Mrs. Hejnosz. I transfered into Guerin my sophmore year and Mrs. Hejnosz was one of the first people I met there. I took French throughout my time at Guerin and even accompanied her on a trip to France. I frequently remember that trip fondly and have many wonderful memories of Mrs. Hejnosz from that trip. She instilled a love of the French language and culture in me and I continued to take French in college. Now my own children are taking French and I hope to pass on the love of the language to them. My deepest sympathy and condolenses go out to her family. She will be missed.

I was so sorry to hear of Marilyn's passing. She and Debbie were special friends and neighbors in our younger years. Although I haven't seen Marilyn since 1970, my wedding day, we kept in touch in Christmas cards every year. I will miss the letters she always sent.
My prayers and deepest sympathy to you Joe, Mr and Mrs Micek and Debbie. I will always cherish the fond memories.

I was deeply sorry to hear of Marilyn's passing. Although I had not seen her for a number of years, I always remember her bright smile and cheery disposition. My condolences go out to her parents and her husband.

Marilyn and I taught together in the Foreign Language Department the whole 34 years she was at Guerin - much of that time she was in room 116 and I was in room 117. Over the years our friendship grew and we had so many shared experiences in and out of school. We were great travel buddies, hosting many student trips to Europe, often flying to South Carolina to see our friend Rosemarie, as well as going on train trips and road trips together. We liked to think of ourselves as Thelma and Louise but the truth is we were more like Lucy and Ethel. I'll never forget the time we pulled up to a toll gate and then realized we didn't have change. In a panic Mar dug into the bottom of her purse and we looked under the floor mats and in our pockets until we could come up with enough coins - laughing so hard we were crying. In fact, all my memories of Marilyn involve laughter and good times. She was a great teacher and loved the challenges teaching presented but she reveled in making the most of the free time every summer would provide. I easily fell into the roll of her sidekick. We made a point to see friends over lunch, visit museums, ride our bikes and talk about books and movies and a thousand other things. I feel blessed to have known her so well and to have shared so many happy moments.

I am greatly saddened by the news of Mme Hejnosz's death. She was my high school French teacher and truly gave me an appreciation for learning and teaching. I am now a tenured professor and I believe that much of that has to do both with her demanding, but warm demeanor and her ability to convey her love of her work, of art, food, traveling, and culture to her students. I will always admire her.

I am writing this from a university in Galway, Ireland, where I am a
postdoctoral research fellow. I don't know that I would have a PhD if it were not for Mme Hejnosz. She was simply the most inspiring teacher it is possible to imagine. She did that hopelessly corny thing: she made a difference in my life. Only weeks before I heard of her passing, I was talking to someone about her, as I often do; she has continued to be that much a conscious part of me. She made us think about things in a critical, engaged, exciting way--and not just the French language, but art, literature, history, and culture. Life itself, tout court (to throw some French in there). Mme Hejnosz set me on the road to being a scholar, and she did that while tolerating--maybe even encouraging?--the most outrageous silliness! In her class learning was an activity, a stimulating, addictive activity, not a state of resentful passivity. There are few people in the world as precious, indeed, vital as gifted, caring teachers. We have lost a rare treasure, and though I hadn't spoken to her in over twenty years, I feel her loss deeply. I am brokenhearted. I always thought I would talk to her again

My sincere and deepest condolences to Mme Hejnosz's family and friends! I remember the first day of French class with Madame in 1974- Her love of the French language and culture inspired me! I loved her class and continued learning French throughout my years at Guerin. She was a dedicated teacher who was full of life and enlightened all of us as she spoke of her travels and experiences in France. Her passion was indeed contagious as I continued my studies in French at Rosary College. I am a French teacher (of 25 years) in Evanston. My students have often asked me why I majored in French and do what I do- I simply reply that I was fortunate to have a phenomenal teacher that I will always remember- God Bless you, Madame! You have touched so many lives- I will try to do the same in your memory! You were a great mentor and will truly be missed by so many of us.
JoAnn La Scola McCann
Class of '78

I too remember Marilyn from the Hi-Lighters. Although I had not seen her in all these many years, I still recall her friendly smile and warm personality.

I have thoroughly appreciated reading all of the tributes to my dear friend, Marilyn. It has given me new insight to this person I have never met in person, though I have known her for 43 years! It started when our 8th grade teacher from St. Cecelia School in Portland, Oregon, transfered to Illinois and taught at the school Marilyn attended. Sr. Mary Jean Agnes had her 8th grade students write letters to my 8th grade, and a pen-pal relationship was born. We supported each other through our high school years, through college, and we even got married in the same year. She loved hearing about my children, and I loved hearing about her teaching, gardening, and travels. I did talk to her once. I got brave one New Year's Eve and called her MANY years ago. I always thought we should have a surprise meeting on Oprah! Our friendship was full of love and caring. A special piece of my life is now missing, and I will forever hold a special place in my heart for Marilyn. Blessings and love to Joe and to all of you who loved her.

We are so sorry to hear about Marilyns passing. We are just hearing this today. We all loved Marilyn and thought she was a wonderful spirit. God Bless her. You are all in our thoughts and Prayers.

Marilyn and I were classmates together at Guerin, class of '63. Many years later we both taught GED at Triton. She was a lovely, smart, and courageous woman who touched the lives of many.She will be geatly missed.

I remember my freshman year at Guerin, where i was so shy to actually show my true colors to people. But once i stepped foot into French class, Mrs.Henjosz brought my personality to life. I always anticipated her class for all 4 years. She enjoyed the guest and the excitement I brought to every class. She inspired me with my video productions, and was there to help me through the rough times in my life. "Laura what sound does a french dog make?" She was what made my experience at Guerin, one to always remember.

My thoughts and sympathy goes out to everyone who has been touched by this amazing woman, and my deepest apology to not being well enough to attend the wake. I will alway remember you Mrs. Hejnosz

Marilyn Hejnosz was one of the most profound teachers that I got to know during my high school years. She will be missed tremendously. To this day I remember the first day of high school, and there I was a scared little freshman walking into her class. She made me feel more welcome than any teacher. I could always talk to her about anything. I will forever be her la petite Agathe as she use to call me. She instilled in me the will to learn, to think outside the boundaries, and to go out and try new things. She gave me a fresh perspective on everything. She also instilled a passion for language, word usage, how it can be amazing. To this day I take French in college. She has had a true influence on my life. She taught me that almost any goal is possible reaching.

I had Mrs. Hejnosz in 2002 for french one at Mother Guerin where I enjoyed everything about her; from her stories about her cat to making us do funjects which is a project in any other teachers vocabulary. She was the reason I enjoyed French all four years I while I continued my education in the course. While she was truly missed our senior year, we thought about her everyday and just wanted to talk to her and send her everything we made that year. Thanks a lot Mrs. Hejnosz for everything you did for me and our french class. You will be truly missed forever.

I had Mrs. Hejnosz as my French teacher for 3 years at Guerin. She was a unique woman, who always displayed great enthusiasm and passion in her teachings. She will be truely missed.

My deepest sympathies to her family,friends and the Guerin community. May the love and memories you share guide you through your grief.

Our thoughts & prayers are with Marilyn's parents, sister Debbie, & husband Joe. So glad her struggle is over and she is at peace with the angels.
Will & Donna Richards

My sophomore year of high school, I transferred to what was then Mother Theodore Guerin. I remember going though my first three classes of the day and not really thinking much of the school, it was until, fourth period my perception changed. I walked into her French II class and fell in love with the language even more. She was always genuinely interested in our lives and what we had going on. Our class was small so we always had room for interesting conversation. She helped me to get adjusted to Guerin and believed in my goals and ambitions. I will never forget her recommendation letter to DePaul University. How I became addicted to le petit pain au chocolat, her spunky personality, but most of all I will always carry with me that passion she instilled for me for the language.

You are missed! May God bless her family and friends.

My sympathies to the family. Marilyn was a very special teacher and friend. Her visits to our Computer Lab brightened the day for all of us.
Jeanie Pavichevich
Triton College

I had the pleasure of having Mrs. Hejnosz as my French teacher for four years at Guerin('01-'05). It was always a joy to walk into her class. Her lively spirit and sense of humor are two things that I am sure none of her students will forget. She was a great teacher and an even greater person.

My deepest sympathies and prayers to her family and friends.

My deepest sympathy cousin. Marilyn was an inspiration to all of us for her courage and will be greatly missed.

God bless you,
Bob

I knew Marilyn from her earlier years when she was in Hi-Lighters. What I recall is her warm smile and positive attitude. She will be missed by many. My heartfelt sympathies to the family.

All your friends from Triton College,will miss you.
Lots of love,
Teachers from Triton College

I have known Marilyn for many years through Triton College, where she worked as a GED instructor. She was warm and charismatic with a fabulous smile. She will be dearly missed by her friends and colleagues at Triton. My deepest condolences to her family.

Marilyn taught me from 1973 to 1975. Thinking about it now she was just a young woman in her early 20's. The minute you stepped in her class you were transported to the wonderful world of France and everything fascinating about it. She was my teacher for two years and her enthusiasm for the French language really rubbed off on her students. I will remember her warm smile and great sense of humor. May God Bless you, Marilyn, and may your light continue to shine. My prayers are with her family and friends.
Kay Gallivan (Guerin Class of '77)

I graduated from Guerin as the last graduating class of all girls '04. I did not have Mrs. Hejnosz as a teacher, however she visted my homeroom many times, and substituted a few classes I was in. She always offered her warm smile. I remember going to Guerin for an open house in 8th grade Mrs. Hejnosz offered her warm chocolate crossiants. She had a passion for teaching and such a warm spirit. She will be greatly missed. My prayers are with her family at this diffucult time.

I've known Mrs. Hejnosz for almost eight years. She was my angel for four years while I was attending Guerin High School. Mrs. Hejnosz was one of my best friends whose kindness and love have touched many students. She will be dearly missed by all of us.

My prayers are with you, in memory of Marilyn.

WE OFFER OUR SINCEREST SYMPATHIES TO MARILYN'S FAMILY. SHE WILL BE DEEPLY MISSED.

I remember Mrs. Hejnosz so well in French class. She always had a smile on her face and was so cheerful. I am sending my deepest sympathy to the family of Mrs. Hejnosz. The last time I saw her was about ten years ago at the summer concert in Norridge Park. Marilyn saw me and she came over to say hello. Marilyn was such a dedicated teacher and she gave her heart in each lesson she taught. God Bless her.

I have only known Mrs. Hejnosz as a French teacher for the past two years. During those two years unfornently I had only expereniced her French class's in only the begining of each school year do to her health. During that short time as my teacher she tought me French in a way that I will always treasure, she taught me to learn somthing with great intrerest and enthusium for the subject.

Mrs. Hejnosz was an excellent French teacher and mentor during my years at Guerin. I had wonderful experiences with her during a trip to France & Spain. She was very enthusiastic about teaching and we always had fun while we learned the language and culture. Her family is in my prayers and she will be missed.

I will miss Marilyn and will keep her in my memories and prayers. I express my condolences to her family and friends. Marilyn always had such a charismatic spirit about her. I also enjoyed her enthusiasm and positive energy as her colleague. Sincerely, Ann Marie Nabor

My deepest sympathy to Marilyn's family. I remember Mrs. Hejnosz as one of my favorite teachers at Guerin. I took 4 years of French because I loved being in her class! She will be remebered in my prayers.

My friendship with Marilyn began at Triton where we both taught GED classes. Marilyn was one of the sweetest and dearest people. The last time I saw Marilyn was at the fall inservice. At that time, she looked great (with her curly hair) and was very upbeat. She never gave up and was so courageous. I will miss her especially her wonderful smile.

I had Mrs. Hejnosz for French for 3 years while I was at Guerin. I also had the opportunity to travel to France with her. I will never forget her chasing us girls down the steps of Montmartre! We laughed the whole way down. She was a unique spirit that put excitement into everything she did especially her teaching. I am sorry for the Guerin students that will not have the opportunity to benefit from her teaching and guidance.

My prayers to her family and friends. Find comfort in her memory for it is bright and happy!

Please accept my deepest sympathy. I went to Guerin with Marilyn and was in her French classes all through high school. She was a warm and loving person and I know she will be missed by many. Marilyn and her family will be remembered in our prayers. God bless you and grant you peace.

We are so sorry to hear this news. She was a very nice neighbor and great teacher.

Mrs. Hejnosz was the most wonderful, supportive, and inspiring teacher I have ever had during my entire time as a student. Never had I formed such a close bond with any of my professors, and I will deeply miss her. I feel extremely fortunate to have had her guidance in my life. I only wish I could have spent more time with her. I offer my most heartfelt condolences to her family and all her loved ones during this extremely difficult time. Mrs. Hejnosz will always have a special place in my heart.

We are so sorry and will miss her joy for life.

Mrs. Hejnosz was my French teacher for 3 years when I was a student at Guerin and I traveled to France with her twice. Twenty years later I still insert some of her favorite phrases in conversations and emails. She didn't just teach the language, she taught us to love the culture, the history and the food. She had a vivaciousness that was infectious.

My prayers go out to her family, may you find peace through fond memories.

My condolences to Marilyn's family. I feel honored to have known Marilyn for so many years. She will be missed.

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.