Marion Rita Hilgers (Heinrich) passed away on August 21, 2025 at the age of 98. Marion was a devoted mother to Linda (Jim) Kluch, Kenneth (Jeannine) Hilgers, Allen (Mary) Hilgers, and Lawrence (Renee) Hilgers and a loving grandmother to 10 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents Arthur and Augusta Heinrich, brothers Arthur, Ralph, Richard, and Lawrence. Marion also was very fond of her extended family of cousins, nieces, and nephews. She always cherished the many calls, cards, and emails she received over the years to hear how everyone was living their lives.

Marion was born on October 21, 1926 in Chicago, the only girl in a family of four boys. After attending trade school she began work as an office assistant. On June 2, 1951 she married the late Charles Hilgers and they soon established their family in a brand new neighborhood in Niles, Illinois. She was a long time member of St. John Brebeuf Catholic Church.

After raising four children as a “stay at home” mom (as was typical back then), she was ready to spread her wings. She earned an Associate Degree from Oakton Community College and went on to have a long career as manager of records and mail distribution at Kraft Foods in Glenview, Illinois. She liked to recall the time when the Kraft CEO offered her a ride on the company helicopter when both were going to the city on separate business. Mom was proud of her accomplishments and she enjoyed her work.

Marion always liked to be busy. She had many hobbies including cooking, golfing, watercolor painting, wood carving, and traveling around the world. She was also an avid orchid grower and enjoyed her canaries. She enjoyed socializing and was always quick to make friends. As her children moved out of the Chicago area across the country, she relished her visits to Linda in California, Ken in Maine and North Carolina, Allen in Michigan, and Larry in Wisconsin. She made the most out of every moment. She set an example as a hard-working woman who showed tolerance towards others. Her grandchildren are grateful for the lessons they received from her.

In 2014 she moved from Arlington Heights, Illinois to Friendship Village Senior Living Community in Kalamazoo, Michigan to be near son Allen. There she wrote a monthly newsletter featuring new residents and their pets. She was quick to make new residents feel welcome. The Family is grateful to the staff of Friendship Village as she progressed from independent living through her final stages of life.