Marilyn M. Mark

Marilyn Mark passed peacefully on December 28, 2024 after years of dealing with dementia/Alzheimer's. Marilyn was born on November 29, 1939 in Denison, Texas to Murt and Mildred Mark. They moved to Greeley, NE where Marilyn attended Greeley Sacred Heart, graduating in 1957 as class Valedictorian. Marilyn attended nursing school, obtaining her RN and later her bachelor’s degree. She earned the nickname “Cookie” in nursing school because her mom routinely sent cookies for her to share with her friends. In 1960 Marilyn was united in marriage to John Beilke and had one daughter, Kirsten.

Marilyn attended nursing school in Omaha and Grand Island, NE to become an RN, later attaining her Bachelor’s in Psychology and Sociology from Bellevue University. Marilyn’s very successful nursing career focused on psychiatric care. She was the Head Nurse of the Douglas County Psych ward, among other positions. She cared deeply for others, was very intelligent, and used her sharp sense of humor to deal with challenging situations or tell a good joke. Marilyn took a break from nursing, working as a financial advisor for about 10 years. She returned to nursing as a travel nurse, seeing the US while continuing to care for others until she retired. In retirement, Marilyn moved to the Kalamazoo, MI area to be near her daughter, son-in-law, and grandson.

Marilyn was an accomplished First Soprano, singing at many weddings and events, as well as musicals. Her favorites included singing Ave Maria and playing in Fiddler on the Roof. She was a member of and loved being in choir at Unity Church in Nebraska as well as Kalamazoo. Marilyn served on the board as well as volunteering at ISAAC (interfaith council). The Unity and ISAAC values of loving all people and praying for peace fit well with Marilyn’s spiritual journey, seeking inner peace and harmony. Marilyn believed all human beings are deserving of love, light, and laughter in our time on earth. Her hobbies included curling, traveling, and chasing hot air balloons. Her family extends love and gratitude to the many Loving Caregivers at Bickford and Vibrant life for their tender loving care of Marilyn for 6 years.

Marilyn was a gregarious, loving person who always had a sense of adventure. She will be remembered with love by her family and friends. Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Marvin. She is survived by her daughter Kirsten Jameson, son-in-law Ross, and grandson Jon, her sister Michaela Nelson, brother Mel Mark, and their spouses and children.

A service will be held later this year at Unity Church, date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the Alzheimer’s association, Unity Church or ISAAC.