Prairie State Wire

Marianne C. Brooks, 76, passed away on August 27, 2025, at Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care in Joliet, Illinois. Marianne, born on March 22, 1949, in Joliet, was the daughter of Fred and Ruth (Peterson) Martens. She was a devoted teacher in the Wilmington School District 209U for 37 years. Marianne was a member of the "Jewels of the Schools," a Red Hat Society chapter, and the Wilmington Historical Society. She was known for her love of genealogy, gardening, photography, and sports. Marianne is survived by her children Jennifer Speer and Garret Brooks, three grandchildren, and her sister Nancy Williams. A visitation will be held at Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington on September 4, 2025, with services following at 4:30 p.m. Marianne will be laid to rest in Saratoga Cemetery in Morris, Illinois beside her late husband Gary. Visit www.BaskervilleFuneral.com to sign the guest book and share memories. Memorial donations can be made to 209U Foundation For Excellence, 209U Wildcat Court, Wilmington, Illinois 60481. Funeral arrangements by Reeves, Fruland & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory.

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