Born: December 3, 1949 - Deceased: May 11, 2023
Marilyn J. Hertenstein (Varsho), (Gough), 73, of Swansea, IL, born Saturday, December 3, 1949, in Youngstown, Ohio, passed away Thursday, May 11, 2023 at Memorial – East Hospital in Shiloh, IL. Surrounded by her family.
After her first husband passed away, Marilyn met and married her current husband, Bob, and followed him around the country during his Coast Guard career. She was a retired Legal Secretary and worked for several law firms around the country in her travels.
She was a Byzantine Catholic and enjoyed singing the services eventually leading to her attending the Metropolitan Cantor Institute in Pittsburgh, PA and becoming the Cantor of the St. Louis Byzantine Catholic Mission in 2007.
She also loved cruising having traveled to over 20 countries and far-flung states and territories of the US.
She was preceded in death by her:
- 1st Husband: Daniel F. Gough (marriage 73-89)
- Parents: Stephen A. and Helen M., nee Bilon, Varsho
- Sister: Patricia Johnson
- Brothers:
- Stephen (Dicky) Varsho
- Charles (Bobby) Varsho
Surviving are her:
- Husband: Robert (Bob) Hertenstein of Swansea, IL, who she married in 1993
- Sons:
- Matthew Gough of Bay City, MI
- Daniel Gough of Swansea, IL
- Granddaughter: Bridget Gough of Bay City, MI
- Many special nieces, nephews and cousins.
Special thanks to the medical staff at Memorial-East hospital for her recent care and the greater BJC team for caring for her many conditions the past few years.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. Louis Byzantine Catholic Mission. stlouis.byzcath.org
Visitation: Visitation from 5:00 – 8:00 pm, Monday, May 15, 2023 at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, IL
Funeral: Funeral Services will be held at 11:30 am, Tuesday, May 16, 2023 at St. Louis Byzantine Catholic Missions Church, 7100 Virginia Ave, St. Louis, MO 63111, with Rev. Joseph Weber officiating. Interment will follow at 1:45 pm at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, MO.
11 Comments
remembering Marilyn in my prayers and at the Divine Liturgy. Trusting she’s found rest ‘where the light of God’s face shines’. Bob and her family are especially in my prayers these days
I am so sorry to hear this. She was a wonderful friend. My condolences to her family.
My sympathies to Bob , sons Dan , Matt , granddaughter Bridget also to the family and friends who’s lives were touched by Marilyn. RIP dear friend you will always be in my heart
☦️
Bob n Family,
Condolences to you and your family. Marilyn was a wonderful lady!
I’m out of town, but my prayers are with you.
Dave
So very sorry and saddened to hear this. My sincerest condolences to Bob and family. Marilyn was a wonderful person and really enjoyed our conversations about travel and similar eastern European background.
My prayers are with you.
Taras
Please accept my deepest condolences. I am sad that I never met Marilyn in person (my distant cousin – we connected through Ancestry). May she rest in peace. Vichnaya Pamjat’.
Marilyn was one of the kindest people that I have ever met, and she was truly a blessing to my family. She will always be remembered.
So sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you.
We are all sorry for your loss ! Bob visited the cafe/gift shop at Shiloh daily We were all saddened the day Your wife & mother passed . You will be in our thoughts & prayers .
Debbie & Gift Shop/ Cafe staff
Marilyn was so sweet & loving. So glad we kept in touch after I moved back to NY in 2016. She always had a warm smile & hug. My deepest sympathies Bob, Dan & Matt & all of the family. Keeping all of you in my prayers.
Very sorry to learn of her death. She was a very good Struthers Friend. May God make her memory to be eternal.