Marlene Schroyer

Marlene Schroyer, age 83, born on January 24, 1942, in Welland, Ontario, Canada, died on the morning of January 4, 2026, at her home peacefully.

Marlene was a beautiful and generous woman.  She spent many days at the beach during the summers and ice skating during the winters. She met her husband, “Teddy Cha Cha” in Niagara Falls, NY.  They loved to dance, and were soon married in 1962, spending 58 years together. Ted was in the military for many years, and they traveled a lot. They had three sons during that time, and in 1972 they made Fairview Heights, IL their home. 

She was devoted to her Catholic faith and loved people.  She spent many years as a Catholic school teacher and as a Sunday school teacher.  Over the years many people still remember her from St. Philips School in East St. Louis, IL. as their teacher.  She loved telling the kids about Jesus and educating them to become better people.  Marlene also was very dedicated to her local church by being involved with St. Ann’s, the quilting group, planning the church picnic, working with the parish bingo, and in many other facets of church life.  She believed strongly in Pro-Life and was frequently seen on the main corners of Fairview Heights or at the entrance of Planned Parenthood with her signs along with her adopted daughter, Brittany. 

In her free time, she was involved in many different business ventures. Her most notable business was being a cruise planner.  She went on countless cruises and saw the world.  Marlene would donate cruises to the church auction and would raffle off cruises to her extensive client list of members.  Many of the photos her family has are of these memorable times with countless friends.  She continued to work, planning cruises, until she was no longer able to.

In 2023, she was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinsons Disease.  Marlene was cared for by her daughter, Brittany, and her son, Chris until the end.  She wanted to be able to stay in her home, so her family granted that wish until the end.  With the help of Vitas Hospice, she died in her bedroom that she had shared with her beloved husband, who died on April 15, 2020.  

She was preceded in death by her husband, Theodore “Sarge” Schroyer; her son, Gregory Schroyer, M.D.; and her parents, Martin and Kathleen, nee Gambetik Graf.

Marlene is survived by her children, Christopher Schroyer of Fairview Heights, IL, Derek Schroyer of Belleville, IL, and Brittany Schroyer of Fairview Heights, IL; her grandchildren, Brianna Schroyer and Stephen Schroyer; and her siblings, Connie Sullivan of London, Ontario, Canada, Marty (Janice) Graf of Dorchester, Ontario, Canada, and Pauline (Bill) Nagy of Welland, Ontario, Canada.

Memorials can be made to Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Fairview Heights, IL.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Fairview Heights, IL with Fr. Carl Schrage officiating.

A Roadside Committal Service will be held on Wednesday, January 14, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO.

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