Marilyn Jean Hancock

Marilyn Jean Andersen Hancock died at her home in Savoy, Illinois on May 20, 2024, at the age of 78. Her husband was at her side with other family members nearby. She was born to Howard Scott Andersen and Gladys Andrews Andersen in Chicago, Illinois on March 22, 1946.

Survivors include husband John Hancock and son Tim Hancock (Angie), sons Jim Keefe (Laura) and Andrew Keefe, sister Linda Andersen, nieces Nicole Schmidt Kunter (Ron), Christina Andersen, and Jennifer Andersen. Also surviving are cousins Susan Van Auron, Julie Van Auron Trinkle (Larry), Joyce Andrews Dunlap (William), Paula Andrews Knocke (Stanton), and Nancy Andrews Johnson (Gary).

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, sister Pamela Rae Andersen as well as aunts and uncles Charles "Bud" Andrews (Val) and Connie Andrews Van Auron (Carlos "Van"), and Eloisa Andrews Beeney.

Marilyn attended Tess Corners Elementary School in Muskego, Wisconsin. As a youth, one of her activities of choice was playing "Nuns" with her younger sister Pammy. Her youngest sister Linda remembers playing Spill and Spell, Scrabble and Mill Bournes. Cousins Susan and Julie included Marilyn in "Restaurant" or "Airline" where you hoped you were not a customer because that was boring. Marilyn had a favorite memory of the family lying in bed watching Alfred Hitchcocks Rebecca together at night. Summers or Spring Breaks growing up might be spent in Buda, Illinois with Grandfather Paul Andrews, and Aunt Gwendolyn Andrews at the house with a hitching post in the front and chickens in the back.

Marilyn graduated from Bloomington High School with Honors in 1964. She went to Northern Illinois University and then Ohio State University where she graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelors in Medical Technology. She shared the stage with astronaut Neil Armstrong who was the keynote speaker at the commencement.

Marilyn had two children, Jim and Andrew with first husband Jack Keefe in Ohio. Monopoly and Yahtzee were favorite games with the boys. Playing Sorry was discouraged because she was overly sarcastic when she would say "Sooorrrrrryy". Family trips to Florida and Washington DC were special.

On June 25, 1994, Marilyn married the love of her life John Hancock with a nice addition of Johns son Tim to the family. With the passing of her mother and friend Gladys in 2005, Marilyn assumed a leadership role in the family. She often played host for Thanksgiving and Christmas including sister Linda Andersen with daughters Nicole, Christina, and Jennifer. She enjoyed having young women in her life after years with the boys. In later years, family included the blessing of grandchildren Lily and Charlie from her son Andrew, Christa from Jims wife Laura as well as grandnephew and niece Wyatt and Avalynn from Nicole, and Matthew from Jennifer.

Marilyn stayed with the field of medical technology working at various hospitals and clinics throughout her career. She was known to check the veins in your arms to assess which ones she could use to draw your blood. Marilyn retired in 2012 from the role of Quality Assurance Officer at the Champaign County Blood Center. Even after retirement she still checked peoples veins. Throughout her career she set an example for being a dedicated and high performing employee.

Marilyn and John have been active members of the Savoy United Methodist Church for about 30 years. Marilyn served in several roles over the years including choir member, food server, food pantry, bible school teacher, prayer team leader, and fellowship time leader. In addition, she served on various efforts including the building committee for the 2004 new church on Old Church Rd. Some of her favorite church activities included Chick Chat and the United Methodist womens group.

In addition to serving the church, Marilyn and John enjoyed travel. Trips to Florida were special and sometimes included visits with friends Joe and Nancy Reese as well as Charlie and Jan Rohn. A guided tour through Italy included a stop at the Vatican where John sang with the Chorale from Champaign. Marilyn and John fit in some Caribbean cruises as well.

Special thanks to Nelly Bolton, Amanda Shaw, and Carle Hospice nurses for Marilyns care in her time of need. Thank you to family and friends who checked in on Marilyn and John to lend a hand or lift spirits. Thank you to John for going above and beyond. Thank you to Marilyn for her amazing sense of humor and patience in her final days.

A Celebration of Marilyns life will be held at 11 am on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at Savoy United Methodist Church 3002 W Old Church Rd, Champaign, IL 61822 with Rev. Jungil Rhee officiating.

Memorial donations may be made to Savoy United Methodist Church at 3002 W. Old Church Rd. Champaign, IL 61822 or ALS United Greater Chicago at 5315 N Clark St. #650, Chicago, IL 60640.

Marilyn was a giver and a leader. She lived her life in the faith of Jesus Christ. Her dedication to family and friends will be missed dearly but her spirit will live on in the many people whose lives she touched.