Marilyn Cefalu

Marilyn Cefalu

September 18, 1934 - February 01, 2023

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Obituary

MADISON – Marilyn A. (Schwarz) Cefalu, age 88, passed away peacefully on February 1, 2023 at Brookdale West. She was born on September 18, 1934, the youngest of seven children of Anthony and Susan (Berendes) Schwarz. Marilyn graduated from Edgewood High School.

Marilyn met the love of her life Jerome (Moe) Cefalu on a blind date arranged by two of their closest, lifelong friends. They were married on October 23, 1954. Together they raised six children.

Marilyn will be remembered for her love of adventure, traveling back and forth across the country with Moe in their RV along with many of their friends. She blessed her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren with the gifts of great literature, music, and the love of the outdoors. Marilyn was happiest reading a new book, digging in her garden with dirt under her fingernails, acquiring new rocks to add to her collection or beating her family in cards.

Marilyn is survived by her children Toni (Joe) Stoikes, Matt (Renee) Cefalu, Mark (Kathy) Cefalu, Johanna (Jim) Perry and Chris (Lisa) Cefalu. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Adam (Nicole), Jessica (Peter), Josephina, Emily (A. J.), James, Cole, Kelly (Austin), Nick, Celia, Rachel (Alex), Mitch, and Eric; and her beloved great-grandsons Cameron, Lorenzo, and Anthony.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her son Charles, and her six siblings, Antoinette Schwarz, Irene Leifert, Joyce Rupp, James Schwarz, John Schwarz, and Joseph Schwarz.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Brookdale Madison West and Agrace Hospice Care for the loving care they provided their mother.

Per the family’s request a private service for immediate family will be held at a later date. Memorials are suggested to Agrace Hospice Care. To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services 2418 N. Sherman Avenue 608-249-8257

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Cherished Friend Bouquet was sent
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Cherished Friend Bouquet was sent for Marilyn A. Cefalu - February 09, 2023
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Regina Slawek Weyer
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Marilyn taught me so much about nature, and inspired me with her love of same. Also, she told the best stories— I remember her scaring us all with spooky tales told in her dramatic, gravelly voice while we were camping out at "the land." She made me feel like a welcome family member when I was little. Thanks, Marilyn! Regina Slawek Weyer
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Therese (Finn) Thompson
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I was a 1967 Graduate Student at Central High School in Madison, WI. I remember when Marilyn Cefalu was invited as a Former Faculty Staff to several High School Reunions and attended most of them. She was her usual funny self. She was a Very Gracious Woman. I wish to express my Condolences to her Family.
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Wendy Sanders-Travis
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So sorry for everyone's loss. She was a sweet lady.
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Sandra Hoger
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Just saw that your sweet Mom passed away--so sorry to read this. She was a super nice person as was your Dad. Hugs to Chuck as he was a good friend of our son Mike.
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Sandra Hoger
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Did not realize that Chuck had also passed--so sorry to read that. He fought a good fight and was a good friend to our son Mike.

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