Marilyn J. Willenbrink

Marilyn Jean Willenbrink, 80, of Covington, Kentucky passed away on June 1, 2022.  Marilyn was born on November 19, 1941 in Covington.   Marilyn was a very strong willed, independent woman.  A woman who lived life to its fullest.  A woman who was challenged at the age of nine years old with polio. She and six other students from her grade school fell victims of the polio epidemic in 1951.  She was a woman who never let her physical challenges become obstacles in her life.  A lifelong member of St. Augustine Church in Covington.  Marilyn graduated from Notre Dame Academy, Thomas Moore College, and Northern Kentucky University.  She taught for the Diocese in Covington for ten years and twenty-seven years for the Kenton County School System.  Marilyn was the recipient of the 2011 Woman Making a Difference Award by Notre Dame Academy.  She was very proud to be an Associate of the Sisters of Notre Dame.  Marilyn was recognized by the state of Kentucky as Teacher of the Year in 1987.  She was a woman of great faith and involvement with her Alpha Delta Kappa Sorority.  She was very active with The Kentucky Retired Teachers Association, and a board member of the Kenton County Retired Teachers Association.  Marilyn had a passion for technology and she shared her knowledge with many friends and neighbors.  She loved reading, shopping, and helping others fulfill their dreams.  She was an excellent role model for her former students who chose education for their future.  Marilyn was a devoted caregiver to her parents, Muriel and Fred Willenbrink.  She was preceded in death by a sister, Edith Strohmaier, brothers, Thomas Willenbrink, James Willenbrink, and Melvin Willenbrink.  She is survived by Deb Spieles, her godchild, and many faithful and loving nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and good friends.  A memorial mass will be held at St. Augustine Church on June 15, 2022 at 11:00 am.  Visitation will immediately precede mass from 10-11 am.  Marilyn donated her body to the University of Cincinnati for research.  Memorial donations are suggested to St. Augustine Church 1839 Euclid Avenue, Covington, KY 41014, St. Charles Care Center 500 Farrell Drive, Covington, KY 41011, or Sisters of Notre Dame 1601 Dixie Highway, Park Hills, KY 41011.  Online condolences may be made at, www.middendorf-funeralhome.com