Marie Marlow

Herrin- MARIE GUALDONI MARLOW, age 94, of Herrin, passed away at 2:40am on Monday, September 21, 2009 at Parkway Manor in Marion. Marie was born on February 8, 1915, in Herrin, the daughter of Big John and Bigia (Marlo) Gualdoni. Her parents preceded her in death. She married Frank G. Marlow on June 17, 1936. He preceded her in death on March 31, 1992. Both her father, John, and then her husband, Frank, were Presidents of the Southern Illinois Wholesale Company, in Herrin. Her brother, Lt. Charles Gualdoni, died in battle in France during World War II in the year 1944. Mrs. Marlow lived her entire life in Herrin, with the exception of the past eight months, when she resided at Parkway Manor in Marion. She lived in the same home for more than sixty years. Marie attended boarding school at Notre Dame Academy in Belleville, IL. She was the class president her senior year, and the May Queen. She was a noted pianist, and president of the school orchestra. Her musical talent was passed on to her children and grandchildren as they all play the piano as well. Her son John Lee plays the blues harmonica. The highlight of her years at Notre Dame was having played tennis with the Bishop, a story she liked to tell often. After graduation, Marie worked for a short time at the Bank of Herrin, where she met her husband to be, Frank. They were married for 65 years. Marie was active in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Herrin and was president of the Holy Family Sodality. She was also a member of the Herrin Womens Club and the Herrin Hospital Auxiliary. She served as the Grand Marshall of the Herrinfesta parade in 1993. Marie and Frank liked to travel. They especially enjoyed New Orleans, Hawaii, and their favorite place, Italy. But Marie most enjoyed welcoming her children, grandchildren and other family members and friends to her home. Christmas celebration was at her home for more than fifty years, with families coming from many states to attend the tradition. Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law- Carol Ann and Jack Murray of Herrin, IL; Son and daughter-in-law- John Lee and Laura (Kramer) Marlow of St Louis, MO; five grandchildren- Kathy (Murray) Metz of Tempe, AZ, Karen and Norman Scherer of OFallon, MO, Susan Darcy Marlow of Seattle, WA, John and Priscilla Murray of St Louis, MO, and Maribeth and Joe Vanderbeck of Farmington, MN. Marie was very proud to have thirteen great great grandchildren; Braden, Gavin Metz, Landon and Hannah Metz; Blake, Eric, and Elizabeth Scherer; Aidan and Charlotte Claire Murray; Madison and Mariah Vanderbeck; and Darcy Mallows children- Patrick, Ryan, and Sarah Greeley. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Billie Marlow of Johnston City; niece- Phyllis (Marlow) and Al Ditto of Herrin; niece- Virginia (Salmo) and John Hecker of Boston, MA; nephew- Frankie Lee Salmo (aka Franco Salmoiraghi) of Oahu, HI. The family wishes to thank Dr. A. Pramote and his staff and Parkway Monor and staff for the excellent care and concern Marie received from them all. A funeral mass will be held at 11am on Saturday, September 26, 2009 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Herrin with Monsignor Ken Schaefer officiating. Burial will follow at San Carlo Cemetery in Herrin. Visitation will be held from 6-9pm on Friday, September 25, 2009 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin. For those who prefer, memorial donations may be made to Our Lady of Mount Carmel-Education Foundation. Envelopes will be available and accepted at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home; 201 S. 13th Street; Herrin, IL 62948. For more information, or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.hughesfuneralhomes.com