Obituary of Marilyn Flasch

Marilyn Flasch (nee Franklin) passed away peacefully on Good Friday, April 10, 2020, at the age of 99 ¾, in Tucson, Arizona. Born to Lillian and Len Franklin, she was the beloved wife of the late Frank B. Flasch. Cherished mother of Frank (Kate); the late Joan (Bruce Scheff), Betty and John (Sebrina), dear sister of the late Leonard Franklin Jr. Proud and adored grandmother to Maryann Flasch, Victoria Ramirez (Manny), Ben Dickinson and Alexis Wolters and great-grandmother to Malcolm, Aliza, Ella and Lilian. Special cousin to Joan Roggatz, and beloved aunt and godmother to numerous nieces and nephews.

Raised in Chicago, Marilyn met and married Frank following a whirlwind courtship. They settled down in Chicago to raise their children (on Eddy Street) and subsequently launched a decades-long tradition of holding large back yard birthday celebrations (Mom remained steadfastly “39” years old) and 4th of July picnics for family and friends.

After many years in Chicago, Marilyn and Frank decided they had had enough of Chicago winters and decamped to the Arizona desert where together they enjoyed the next phase of their lives in the Phoenix area and finally, in Tucson.

Marilyn had a formidable heart and found joy in being with others. She loved her family and countless friends unconditionally and always managed to bring light to others in times of utter darkness. Marilyn leaves a wonderful, lasting legacy of having formed and impacted so many lives - she will be truly missed.

Due to the current global crisis, a celebration of Marilyn’s life will be scheduled at a later date in Chicago, where she will be buried.

Those wishing to make a donation in Marilyn’s name may do so to: The Joan Flasch Artists’ Book Collection at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) (https://www.saic.edu/academics/libraries-special-collections/john-flaxman-library/special-collections/joan-flasch-collection).