Marilyn Blakely Obituary

Marilyn Blakely has always said life was meant to be lived—and she made sure to squeeze every bit of joy out of it. Born in Chicago to Carl and Mary Porcelli (nee O'Brien), Marilyn was a fiery mix of proud Italian and Irish heritage, which meant she had a big heart, a bigger personality, and a kitchen that was always warm and full of good food.

She married William “Bill” H. Blakely on October 14, 1961, and together they built a life filled with family. Their longtime home on Comstock Avenue in Addison, Illinois was always open to friends, neighbors, grandkids and especially great-grandchildren.

Marilyn ran her own caretaking and cleaning company—though her real full-time job was keeping everyone well-fed. Cooking was her love language, and if you left her house hungry, that was your own fault.

Marilyn was the warm, funny, fiercely loyal, heart of her family. She cherished the name “Gramma” to her grandkids and “Gigi” to her great-grandkids. Her children—Mary Eileen (George) VanTholen, Linda Blakely, William “Billy” (the late Sue) Blakely, and Edward (Heidi) Blakely —knew she was the backbone of the family. And her grandkids—Brian VanTholen, Dana (Erik) Sanzotti, Shaun VanTholen, Stefanie Blakely, and Jessica Blakely—knew she’d show up at the game, recital, or party, cheering the loudest. Great-grandkids Nora and Henry Sanzotti made her heart melt and kept her young at heart.

Marilyn will be deeply missed and forever remembered by her husband of nearly 64 years, Bill; her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, extended family, and a lot of dear friends.

She is also survived by her siblings, Robert Porcelli, Carl Porcelli, Donna Groh and the late baby Charles Porcelli.

Marilyn loved music, singing along to her favorite tunes, dancing, and had a soft spot for the Chicago Bears. She had a sharp sense of humor, a deep love for her roots, and a way of making everyone feel like part of the family.

One of Marilyn’s greatest joys was spending time in her "happy place", Lake Mills, Wisconsin. Whether she was sipping coffee on the porch, watching the grandkids splash in the water, or watching Bill catch fish, the lake was where her heart felt most at peace.

Marilyn passed away peacefully on July 4, 2025—fitting for a woman who lived with spark, spirit, and a love of celebration. Fireworks will forever remind her family of the light she brought into their lives.

In Marilyn’s honor, we invite you to put on your favorite song, dance in your kitchen, raise a glass, and remember a woman who truly knew how to live.

A Memorial Visitation will be held Thursday, July 10, from 4:00 p.m. until time of Memorial Service at 7:00 p.m. at Humes Funeral Home, 320 W. Lake St., Addison. Interment is private.