Shirley R. Marosek

We celebrate the life of a remarkable woman, Shirley Rose Marie Marosek, who passed away peacefully after a long and courageous battle with dementia. Born on May 17, 1941, in St. Louis, Missouri, Shirley was the beloved daughter of Frances and Russell Pilcher. She was the cherished sister to six siblings—Donald, William, Jean, Joan, Richard, and Raymond—who shaped her early years with love, laughter, and camaraderie. On January 4, 1964, Shirley married the love of her life, Charles “Chuck” Frederick Marosek. Together, they built a life filled with adventure, devotion, and deep family bonds. They raised three children: Chuck Marosek, Scott Marosek, and Sandra Dages (Marosek), who carry forward her legacy of love and resilience. Shirley was a devoted stay-at-home mother during her children’s early years, pouring her heart into raising them with care and compassion. Later, driven by her lifelong love for animals, she pursued a Veterinary Associate’s Degree. Her passion led her to work in veterinary care, but after moving to Texas, her petite 4'5" frame made working with large animals like cows and horses a challenge. Undeterred, Shirley pivoted careers and found her calling in healthcare, working as a medical assistant for an ENT specialist for over 30 years. Her dedication, empathy, and professionalism touched countless lives throughout her career. Shirley and Chuck were true global citizens. Their journey took them from Peoria, Illinois, to Geneva, Switzerland, and further across the globe to Harare, Zimbabwe, and Johannesburg, South Africa. They embraced each new culture with open hearts, creating a rich tapestry of experiences that shaped their family’s worldview. Their travels extended to Egypt, France, the United Kingdom, and Brazil to name a few places, always with Shirley’s adventurous spirit leading the way. A devout Catholic, Shirley lived her faith through kindness, generosity, and unwavering love for her family. She was known for her warmth, her infectious laughter, and her ability to make everyone feel welcome and cherished. Her home was a haven of comfort and joy, especially when filled with the aroma of her famous homemade potato rolls and Christmas gingerbread cookies. She delighted in preparing feasts for her ever-growing family, ensuring no one ever left hungry. Shirley is survived by her children and their spouses: Sandra Dages and husband Donald Dages, and their children Kai Dages and Sam Dages Scott Marosek and wife Kate Marosek, and their sons Ben Marosek and Peter Marosek Chuck Marosek and wife Suzanne Marosek, and their children: Cassie Gerson (Marosek) and husband Adam Gerson, and their son Jackson Gerson (Shirley’s great-grandson) Abby Glendenning (Marosek) and husband Fred Glendenning Maddie Marosek She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and a loyal friend. Her feisty spirit, social nature, and deep love for her husband Chuck were constants throughout her life. Now reunited with him, their love continues eternally. As we remember Shirley today, we honor her legacy of love, adventure, and family. Her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew her, and her memory will continue to guide us with warmth and grace. A burial will take place in Texas at a later date, where Shirley will be laid to rest alongside her cherished husband, Chuck, in eternal love and peace. Rest in peace, dear Shirley. You are deeply missed and forever loved. Friends may donate to The Hospice Foundation of America (HFA), https://hospicefoundation.org/donate/ in Shirley's memory.

Shirley R. Marosek

May 17, 1941 - September 21, 2025