Marilyn K. Hebenstreit, nee Milkert, of St. Louis, Mo., formerly of O'Fallon, Ill., born September 18, 1948, passed away Friday, January 22, 2010, in her daughter's home with her family by her side.

Marilyn worked professionally as a Registered Nurse and Medical Paralegal. In recent years, she enjoyed volunteering at St. Louis Public Radio, 90.7 KWMU. She was also committed to the mission of FOSIL and worked to dispel misconceptions and educate anybody who cared to know more about its true mission. She embraced the philosophies and stood in deep admiration of her peers who are willing to commit themselves to helping others through organizations like Catholic Action Network, Karen House, and Catholic Urban Programs.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her father, Ewald Milkert, and brother-in-law, Clyde Brasher.

She is survived by her mother, Victoria Milkert of Belleville; son, Joseph Hebenstreit and his wife, Sarah, of San Francisco, Calif.; daughter, Mary Beth Gorazd and her husband, Rich, of O'Fallon, Ill.; grandchildren, Natalyn, Jack, and Ben Gorazd; former husband, Bill Hebenstreit, of O'Fallon, Ill.; brothers, Craig (Minnie) Milkert of Maple Plains, Minn., and Don (Lisa) Milkert of Fairview Heights, Ill.; sister, Vicki Lee (Doug) Nicely of Mascoutah, Ill.; mother-in-law, Gloria Hebenstreit; sister-in-law, Mary Kay (Raymond) Preusser; nieces and nephews, Kristi (John) Voeller, Melissa Preusser, Brian (Renee) Brasher, Chris and Kevin Milkert, Chris Preusser, Corey, Alex, and Spencer Milkert; other extended family and many special friends.

Marilyn was a perpetual seeker of knowledge, peace, social justice, and spiritual independence. Anyone who met her - even briefly - understood that she had an innate ability to quietly, yet profoundly, impact peoples' lives. Marilyn understood that the Divine lives within each of us and firmly believed that knowing peace would lead us to a world of justice. She worked very hard to find peace in her life and encourages others to find it also. We, her family and her large community of friends, will forever be grateful and blessed for the true gift her presence has given and taught all of us.

In her undying spirit of generosity, Marilyn requested to have her body donated for medical research to Washington University in St. Louis.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Fellowship of Southern Illinois Laity (www.fosilonline.com), Catholic Action Network (catholicactionnetwork.org), or Karen House (www.karenhousecw.org). Condolences may be offered to the family by visiting www.wfh-ofallon.com .


Visitation: Friends may call from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, January 31, 2010, at the Church of Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville, Ill.


Funeral: A Memorial Mass will be held at 4:00 p.m. Sunday, January 31, 2010, at the Church of Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville with Fr. Paul Coutinho, S.J. and Fr. Roger Karban officiating. We invite family and friends to the Visitor's Center at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows immediately following the service for a celebration of her life.