Marilyn Jane (Foster) Kalamaros

June 8, 1933 ~ December 26, 2023 (age 90)

Marilyn Jane Kalamaros, age 90, passed on peacefully in her home in Granger, Indiana, on the evening of December 26, 2023. Born on June 8, 1933, in South Bend, Indiana, Marilyn was the cherished daughter of Wilbur and Hazel Foster, both of whom have preceded her in death. She was also predeceased by her brothers, Gene and Russ. Marilyn grew up on Clover Trail in Granger, long before it blossomed into the community it is today.

Marilyn and Edward Nicholas Kalamaros were married at the First Presbyterian Church of South Bend on June 14, 1958, where they were lifelong members. At the same time they attended Central High School, the church was being constructed just across the street. While they did not date each other in high school, they reconnected at a friend’s wedding when they were in college. Together, they built a loving family and lasting memories. Edward preceded her in death on September 1, 1996.

Marilyn received a bachelor's degree at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, where she became a proud member of the Pi Beta Phi Sorority. She had a deep appreciation for the arts, often enjoying the singing of Jim Nabors, admiring the sculptures of Lladro, and finding solace in the poetry of Robert Frost. Marilyn also cherished her experiences attending theater at the Stratford Festival and the Lyric Opera of Chicago. At home, she was an avid bird watcher.

Marilyn's passion for education shone brightly throughout her life. She served diligently as a third-grade schoolteacher within the South Bend Public School system and was later appointed to the School Board by then-Mayor Peter J. Nemeth. After her tenure as a teacher, Marilyn became a housewife, in the fullest sense of the word, and was deeply involved in her community. She volunteered many hours in her children’s schools as they were growing up, served as a church officer and Sunday school teacher, and supported organizations she cared about, such as the Logan Center. Marilyn was a member and officer of P.E.O., an international philanthropic organization, the American Association of University Women, and Wednesday Club, a local women’s book club.  She was a Trustee of the Northern Indiana Center for History, and a dedicated docent at The Snite Museum of Art at the University of Notre Dame.

Marilyn's legacy extends beyond her numerous accomplishments. She was a loving mother and is survived by her four children: Alexander (Christine), Philip (Lynn), Anastasia "Stacy" (Randal Skalski), and Timothy (Limin). Marilyn's heart swelled with pride for her nine grandchildren: Ariana, Zoe, Hunter, Anna, Rachel, Nikolas, Madeline, Liam, and Erika. Limin “Sophia” Liu, Marilyn’s daughter-in-law, provided companionship and loving care for Marilyn in the final years of her life.

A celebration of Marilyn's life will be held to honor her memory. Visitation will be held on Friday, January 5, 2024, from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM Eastern Time at the First Presbyterian Church (333 W Colfax Ave, South Bend, IN 46601). Following the visitation, a funeral service will commence at 11:30AM at the same location. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Marilyn's memory may be made to Logan Community Resources Inc. (www.logancenter.org), Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (www.alzfdn.org), and First Presbyterian Church of South Bend (www.fpcsouthbend.org).

Palmer Funeral Home - Welsheimer Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

12/30/2023 EJS

https://www.palmerfuneralhomes.com/obituary/Marilyn-Kalamaros