Marleen Edwards, nee Brey, age 94 of O'Fallon, Ill. born April 29, 1929 in Munich, Germany passed away peacefully at her home at The Colonnade Senior Living Center on October 30, 2023.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 69 years Jim, her parents Joseph and Maria, nee Breit, Brey, and her brother Ludwig.

Mrs. Edwards is survived by her children Joe (Maureen) Edwards of O'Fallon, Ill., and Suzanne (Stan) Broadway of Wedowee, Ala.; grandchildren Amanda (Chad) Harris, Lauren (Joe) Barker, Lindsey (partner Greg Heller) Broadway, and Kristen (Junior) Lingerfelt. Also surviving are great-grandchildren Aubrey, Everly, Colby, Caleb, Ridge, and Alden, her extended family and cherished friends she met on her lifelong journey.

Marleen was born in Munich, Germany, in 1929 - a resilient spirit who lived through the challenges of World War 2 in Munich and Oberammergau, Bavaria. Fate led her to Jim, an American soldier, and their love story blossomed amid the aftermath of the war. They married in Germany in 1948, beginning a journey that spanned across continents and cities.

From Germany to Alabama, Toledo, Springfield Ill., St. Louis, and Jackson Miss., she embraced each move with grace. Her heart found joy in family gatherings, holidays, and vacations, where she showcased her culinary talent, leaving a legacy with her delicious pork roast and spaetzle dinners, breakfasts of crepe style German pancakes and for lunch her famous pancake soup which was cherished by generations.

After Jim's retirement, they embarked on a delightful journey, crisscrossing the U.S. in their RV, creating memories that mirrored her love for adventure. Her devotion to family was unwavering, especially evident in the joy she found in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In later years, she found a home at The Colonnade Senior Living Center, forming lasting bonds with residents and staff. Engaging in numerous activities, she continued to radiate warmth and kindness. She was a soul who left indelible imprints of love and laughter on everyone fortunate enough to be a part of her journey and whose strong Christian faith illuminated the lives of those around her.  May she find eternal peace in God's embrace and in the memories she cherished.

Memorial donations are suggested to St. Nicholas Catholic Church, Family Hospice – Belleville, or to St. Jude Children's Hospital.

Visitation will begin at 9 a.m., Monday, November 6, 2023 at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, 625 St. Nicholas Dr., O'Fallon, with Mass of Christian Burial to begin at 10 a.m., with Rev. Nick Junker presiding, followed by a luncheon. Burial will be at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, Mo.