Marlene McConville
Marlene A. McConville, 65 of Ottawa and Mendota passed away unexpectedly on June 17, 2025, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria. Visitation will be 4-7pm June 22 in Holy Cross Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be June 23 at 11am in Holy Cross Catholic Church with the Father Jeff Windy officiating. Cremation rites will follow, and burial will be private. Wasmer Funeral Home is privileged to assist the family.
Marlene was born October 1, 1959, in Mendota to Hubert and Mary Helen (Ely) Leffelman. She attended Amboy High School, graduating in 1977. Marlene continued her education at Sauk Valley Community College receiving her Licensed Practical Nurse Degree. She worked in the nursing field for 7 years before she continued her education in Respiratory Therapy. She was a CRTT for many years, then trained and became a Cardiopulmonary Therapist. Marlene retired after 44 years, 7 weeks and 4 days-but who’s counting?
On March 28, 1981, at St. Patrick’s Church in Maytown, she married the love of her life, John Michael McConville. Marlene was very active in her church serving in the Altar and Rosary Society. She never missed a Cub’s game and was an outstanding seamstress and baker. She did embroidery, counted cross stitch, crocheted, gardened and if you saw her at the right time, you always left with something preserved from her garden or baked goods. Cookie season was something you never wanted to miss. In her children’s early days, she helped in their 4H groups and was their #1 fan during all sporting, choir, and band events. Marlene was a whirlwind. She was always on the go and prepared for nearly anything. She was generous to a fault and helped anyone she could in her work and her personal life. Marlene did not suffer fools and would kindly put you in your place.
She will be forever missed by her loving husband Mike of Ottawa, daughter Katie (Laen) Neal of Cortland, son Luke (Bailey) McConville of Morton, granddaughter Ruby, sister Marilyn (Bill) Morrison of Batavia, 2 brothers of Michael of LaMoille, Myron (Janet) Maytown, and mother-in-law Florence McConville of Mendota. She was preceded in death by her parents Hubert and Mary Helen (Ely) Leffleman, 2 brothers David Leffelman and Marty Leffelman, sister-in-law Rose McConville and father-in-law John McConville. Pallbearers will be Jake Atherton, Angela Kalsto, Alex Leffelman, Chris Leffelman, Jonathon McConville and Jeff Morrison. Memorials can be directed to Abigail Women’s Clinic, Lily Pads, or Mendota Area Senior Services (M.A.S.S.) Condolences may be left at wasmerfuneralhome.com.