Marlene Ann Pawlowski

April 2, 1938 - February 21, 2026

Marlene Ann (Josephson) Pawlowski passed away peacefully at Delnor Hospital on February 21, 2026, at the age of 87. Marlene was born on April 2, 1938, in Elgin, IL, to Folke and Hedvig Josephson. A 1956 graduate of Elgin High School, she earned her B.A. from DePauw University in 1960, where she was a proud member of the Delta Gamma sorority. On June 16, 1962, she married Paul Pawlowski. A dedicated member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church since 1968, Marlene served as a Sunday School teacher, LCW Board President, and on the Church Council and Day Care Board. She was also a liaison for Laotian families, assisting with tutoring and transportation. Marlene was a former elementary school teacher in Elgin and Northbrook and remained deeply involved in her children’s education and activities. Her volunteer work included serving on the PTA and PTO boards, leading Girl Scout and Cub Scout troops, and contributing as a “Picture Lady” and library volunteer. She was also active in the Pottawatomie Garden Club, P.E.O. Chapter KB, and the Fox Valley Associates Chapter of the Art Institute of Chicago.  An avid golf and tennis player, she was also a voracious reader and a member of several book clubs. She was an ardent theatergoer and a true patron of the arts. Marlene loved to travel, host fabulous garden and pool parties, and spend time with her many friends.  Marlene deeply loved her community, from her neighbors of over 50 years on Old Quarry Road to her newest friends at The Reserve to her fellow passengers on the train to Chicago. She had a gift for lighting up every room and could tell a mean joke. She is survived by her husband, Paul Pawlowski; her children, Steven Pawlowski of St. Charles, IL, Sarah Pawlowski (Pete Maleski) of Bozeman, MT, and Douglas (Jennifer) Pawlowski of Aurora, IL; her grandchildren, Iris and Benjamin Pawlowski; and her nephew and niece, Brian (Cindy) Kozumplik and Jill (John) Power, along with their families. Preceded in death by a daughter, Gwen, and a sister, Diane. Visitation will be from 10-11am on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Services will be held at 11am on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church with Pastor Jared Olson officiating. Burial will be at 2pm on Thursday February 26, 2026, at Prairie Cemetery in St. Charles.  Donations may be made to Bethlehem Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 3850, St. Charles, IL 60174 or Breakthrough T1D, Formerly JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation), PO Box 5042 Hagerstown, MD 21741-5042. To leave an online condolence or remembrance to the family, visit the funeral home’s obituary page at  www.yursfuneralhomes.com. For more information, please call Yurs Funeral Home of St. Charles 630-584-0060.Guest BookShareEmailPrint