Marilyn Troyer

Marilyn McGrath Troyer, 83, of Chicago’s Ravenswood Manor neighborhood, passed away peacefully on Valentine's Day, February 14, 2024, after suffering a stroke in January. Raised in Chicago’s Englewood and Hyde Park neighborhoods, she graduated from Parker High School, Roosevelt University (where she met life-long friends), also and studied at the American Conservatory of Music. She loved Italy and lived in Rome, where she studied voice, learned Italian and taught English at Shenker Institute. She took her Roman cat "Jesse James" back home when she returned to Chicago. Marilyn worked for years as a public servant for Cook County and the State of Illinois as an employment counselor. She developed many friendships with co-workers through the years. She was a loyal “best” friend to many, avid reader (despite visual handicap), history buff, and singer who loved opera, WFMT, and classical music. Marilyn was strong-willed, stubborn, opinionated, and a staunch Democrat who didn’t hesitate to argue her point. She had a big, dramatic personality with a good heart. She often entertained family and friends with “fabulist” tales and fables. Marilyn was spiritual and believed all religions lead to God. She studied world religions, astrology (was a Scorpio), reincarnation and was a devotee of Swami Satchidananda. Her Sanskrit name was “Manisha”. She loved animals and was an animal advocate. Her dogs Zumi and the late Sonny were rescues from PAWS. She was a devoted step-mom to her late husband Art’s children: Sherry, Joel, and Sharon. She was a wonderful, loving aunt to Larry, Lisa, and Leila-- they shared many good times. Beloved spouse of the late Arthur G. Troyer. Loving sister of Kathleen (the late Fathi “Frank” Tal) McGrath of Houston, and Rosemarie (partner Gene Kulichenko) McGrath. Beloved aunt of Lawrence (Amy) Tal, Lisa Yasmin Tal, and Leila (John Thayer) Tal Thayer. Devoted step-mother of Sheryl “Sherry” (David) Crisp, Sharon (Marco) Spudic, and the late Arthur Joel “Joe” Troyer. Daughter of the late George Andrew and Mildred Irene (nee Goodrie) McGrath. She will also be deeply missed by her devoted caregiver Sabria Koshaba, longtime friend Mitchell “Mike” Winthrop, and many others. Family and friends are gathering privately. Donations may be made to PAWS. www.pawschicago.org Arrangements by Inclusive Funeral Care, 773-370-2959 or www.InclusiveFuneralCare.com.

Marilyn Troyer

November 12, 1940 - February 14, 2024