Elaine Marett

Elaine Marett, 72, of Urbana, passed away at 6:08 p.m., Tuesday, January 11, 2022, at Carle Medical Center, Urbana.

Elaine was born March 8, 1949, in Champaign, the daughter of Velma (Brunn) and James Nale. She married John Marett on June 3, 1967, in Urbana. He survives.

She is also survived by two Daughters, Janice (Erik) Graybeal of Le Roy and Jen (Wojo) Marett, of Batavia; six grandchildren, Brandon (Kate), Caleb, Alexis, Evan, Lia and Will.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Judy and Cele and her brothers Terry and David.

Elaine graduated from Homer High School in June 1967. She married John later that month following him out to San Diego where he was stationed in the Navy. When he left for Vietnam, she returned home to Champaign. Elaine worked as a secretary in the Ag Department at the U of I for a few years followed by a short stint as a secretary at the original Dog ‘n Suds in Champaign. She ultimately chose her most rewarding job as full-time homemaker and stay-at-home mom raising and mentoring not only two daughters but a myriad of siblings, neighbors, and friends.

Elaine also worked at the family business, The Harry Gill Company and was co-owner of an aerobic studio before joining the eye department at Carle Hospital. Elaine was a highly respected ophthalmic assistant at Carle for nearly 20 years where she served as a mentor to countless staff members. She was known for her dedication to her patients along with her enthusiasm and exuberance with her co-workers, helping to make work a fun place to be. She especially enjoyed her assignments in pediatric ophthalmology where all the kids loved her. After retirement in 2014 Elaine came back to volunteer as a patient liaison because she enjoyed interacting with people so much. She always treated everyone with kindness and respect.

Elaine loved people and never met a stranger. The family home was always a place where everyone felt welcomed, and where people stopped by and ended up staying much later than was originally planned. The Marett household was often referred to as “The Black Hole” as a result! Her special talent was with children. They naturally gravitated to her given her warm nature, her smiles, and her hugs. She raised more children than can ever be counted. She was a gift to this world and will forever be missed.

Her memorial visitation will be at held on Saturday, January 22, 2022, from 12-1pm with a service to follow at 1pm at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center 710 N. Neil St. in Champaign, Illinois 61820. Pastor Clint Nale will be officiating. A Celebration of her Life will be held Sunday from 1:00-4:00 p.m. at the Elks Lodge in Savoy, 903 N Dunlap Ave, Savoy, IL. 61874 where she was a member.

Memorials may be made in her name to The Elks Lodge #2497

Please join her family in sharing memories, photos and videos on her tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com

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