Marilyn Rae Harger (nee McGraw), 91, passed away peacefully on November 3, 2023, in Plano, Texas.  She was born in Elgin, Illinois, on October 29, 1932, the daughter of Edward and Virginia (nee Koehler) McGraw.  After graduating from Elgin High School in 1950, Marilyn met the love of her life, William Harger.  They were united in marriage on March 7, 1953, in Elgin, Illinois.  They made their home in Elmhurst, Illinois, where they were blessed with four children: Kathleen Harger, James (Christy) Harger, Jill Harger Ewing and Gail (Richard) Knapp.  The family enjoyed many good times with dear friends in their neighborhood on Swain Avenue. 

 

Marilyn worked at Wendt Drug (Vallette Drugs) in Elmhurst for many years where she was very beloved by many regular customers. Following the death of her husband in 1979, she moved to Wood Dale where she loved living near the forest preserve and all the many animals who came to visit her. Marilyn later moved to Plano, Texas, near her son and his family. She was a resident of Sunrise Senior Living until her death.  

 

Marilyn was a devoted mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She served the Lord for years as a member of Messiah Lutheran Church in Elmhurst.  Her wry sense of humor, compassion for all, and quiet demeanor will be greatly missed by many.  

 

Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband, William (Bill) and her brother, Robert McGraw.  In addition to her four children, she is survived by her brother, Jerry (Kathy) McGraw; her grandchildren Nikole (Bridget Baumgartner) Snyder, Kyle (Nicole) Harger, Kevin Harger, Stephen Ewing, Gregory (Brittany) Ewing, Kelly (David) Gillman, Julie (Joshua) Parr, and Timothy (Jessica) Knapp.  Additionally, she will be missed by her great-grandchildren Adley Harger, Colson Harger, Emma Ewing, Olivia Ewing, Nathaniel Ewing, Abigail Gillman, Graham Gillman, Hannah Parr, Joanna Parr, James Knapp, Ethan Knapp, and Isabelle Knapp, along with multiple nieces and nephews.  

 

A memorial service for Marilyn will take place in Spring 2024 in Illinois.  In lieu of flowers,donations can be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital or Paws Alive.