Meadows Funeral Home

     Marilynn Ann Arnoux from Arlington Heights, IL, passed away peacefully at the age of 93 at her home in Lake Barrington on March 19, 2025. A devoted wife, mother, and grandparent, Marilynn was known for her kindness, generosity, and positivity. Her greatest legacy is her empathy and love for the underdog.

     Marilynn was born in Evanston, IL to Lillian and Clifford Sundquist in 1932, and graduated from Evanston High School. She met her husband, best friend, and partner of 68 years, Bruce Arnoux, while he was attending Sullivan High School. Bruce proposed to Marilynn as soon as he returned from his service in the Korean War. Marilynn and Bruce married at a candlelight ceremony in Evanston in 1954.

     Marilynn's life was full and focused on her family. She often recalled the years she spent raising four children in Arlington Heights, IL as the best years of her life. Marilynn and Bruce started a family at the time when a wife made breakfast each morning, ironed her husband's clothes while holding an infant, and prepared dinner before he got home. While she thrived doing the hard work of motherhood, as society changed, so did she.

     Marilynn eventually became an essential employee of Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights, IL, for over 20 years. After retiring as a secretary in nursing recruitment, Marilynn spent years volunteering at the hospital, delivering flowers to patients to brighten their day. She was a member of Saint Peter Lutheran Church where her children attended school.

     Marilynn was adored by her seven grandchildren, two young great-grandchildren, and nephews. She was always up for a fun time with her grandchildren, and she taught them to be kind, forgiving, and to be their best.

     Marilynn was known as the ultimate hostess. She loved family gatherings to bring people together, and she was happiest when others were happy and well fed. That included the birds in her backyard, as anyone visiting her home was frequently asked to refill the bird feeder. Marilynn loved animals, especially the beloved golden retrievers she had over the years. She was a friend to strangers and was the type of person who would make conversation with fellow shoppers at the grocery store and ask them how their day was going. She often would check in on close friends and encourage others who would experience disappointments in life.

     Marilynn and Bruce had a glorious closing act. Marilynn supported Bruce in owning his own business until his final days. Their marriage could not be broken no matter what life threw at them, and neither could their pride in each of their children and grandchildren, their lavish garden, or their love of the birds they would nourish.

     Marilynn leaves behind her loving family, including four children: Kimberly (Thomas) Aronhalt; Mark (Barbara) Arnoux; Matthew (Bobbi Panter) Arnoux; and Michelle Arnoux. She is dearly missed by her seven grandchildren, Philip Aronhalt; Bethany (David) Williams; Paul Aronhalt; Erin Arnoux; Christian (Tess) Arnoux; Clifford Arnoux; and Ty Arnoux; two great-grandchildren, Vivian Williams and Remco Bodin Arnoux; and devoted la famille elargie, Karen Markese. Marilynn was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Bruce Arnoux, her sister Carol Meuse, and her parents Lillian and Clifford Sundquist.

     The family invites friends to a celebration of Marilynn’s life on Saturday, May 3 at Meadows Funeral Home, located at 3615 Kirchoff Rd, Rolling Meadows, IL. Visitation is from 9:30-11:00 a.m., followed by a Christian service from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. A burial will be held at 1:30 p.m. at Memorial Park Cemetery, 9900 Gross Point Rd, Skokie, IL.