Marianne Machalek

Marianne Annette Machalek entered the gates of heaven at 4:00pm on Friday, May 9, 2014 after a five month long and hard-fought battle with lung cancer. Marianne was born on February 6, 1956 in New York, NY to Joseph J. Machalek and Margit E. Machalek (Siebeneichler). She came to Decatur, IL in her early years with her family and attended Stephen Decatur High School and Richland Community College. As a life long resident of Decatur, she was active in various caregiving professions and enjoyed helping others, particularly children who were mentally and physically challenged. Her kind heart gave them hope and courage. In addition to helping others she loved animals and planting and growing her gardens. She had a true green thumb, just like her mom. She spent several years at Mari Mann Herb Company and the Farmer's Market and always enjoyed meeting new people and working outside. Later in life she worked as a bartender at Barb's Place where she had many wonderful friends and fond memories. On St. Patrick's Day in 2004 she met her soul mate, Victor Farrell, whom she loved greatly. The family wishes to thank Victor for all the love, care and support he has shown to her, especially over the past several months as he cared for her throughout this entire cancer battle. He was by her side every step of the way and truly helped her so much. We are forever grateful to him. Marianne will be remembered as a caring and creative soul. She never met a stranger and was always there to help someone in need. We will all miss her greatly. She is survived by her sister, Melissa L. Hart (Machalek), brother-in-law, Thomas M. Hart; nephews Alexander T. Hart, and Austin M. Hart of Chandler, AZ; niece, Sarah K. Machalek of Assumption, IL and nephew Derek M. Machalek of Mattoon, IL, her fiancé Victor S. Farrell of Decatur, IL, and an uncle, aunts and cousins in New York. She is preceded in death by her father Joseph J. Machalek, brother Joseph E. Machalek , mother Margit E. Machalek and both maternal and paternal grandparents. Donations can be made to DMH Hospice. The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the full DMH Hospice team especially our nurse Heather Claypool who assisted both Marianne and our mother in 2012. Heather has a heart of gold and we consider her a member of our family. Visitation will be from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm, with funeral services following on Saturday, May 17, 2014 at Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home in Decatur. She will be laid to rest at Macon County Memorial Park in Harristown, IL. "
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