Marilyn Isabell Caveny

 

Marilyn Isabell Caveny, 94, of Litchfield, passed away Friday, Sept. 1, 2023 at 7 a.m. at Litchfield Health and Rehab Center.

She was born Feb. 10, 1929, a daughter of Lyle and Ema (Cummings) Duncan.

She graduated from Shipman High School with the Class of 1947, where she was a cheerleader.

She and Joseph Emmett Caveny were married April 29, 1950 at St. Denis Parish in Shipman, with Fr. Walsh officiating. Emmett preceded her in death Jan. 9, 2000.

Marilyn worked as a veterinary assistant for Dr. Robert Brakefield in Macoupin County, at Western Cartridge in East Alton, and at the JC Archer Allis-Chalmers Dealership in Shipman at the parts counter.

As a young Army bride, she followed Emmett to Kansas when he was drafted in 1950 where she planted trees along the highway for the state.  When he was sent overseas, she returned to her parents’ farm in Shipman. Upon his discharge in 1954, they started farming in North Litchfield Township. She became a full-time farmer’s wife, and then later a full-time coal miner’s wife.

Marilyn was active in St. Aloysius Parish Altar and Rosary Society, where she also cared for the priest’s and altar boys’ vestments for many years. She was a Cub Scout leader, and volunteered for the American Red Cross and for the food pantries.

Marilyn loved fishing, animals, and baseball. She was a die-hard Brooklyn Dodgers fan, transferring her allegiance to LA when they moved. In later years she loved mowing, reading, traveling, lunch and games with friends, swimming, dancing, and music.

Marilyn is survived by sons, Joe (Lori) Caveny of Litchfield, Tim (Candace) Caveny of O’Fallon; daughter, Elaine (Jeff) Stone of Lewistown; grandchildren, Shannon Caveny of St. Louis, MO, Erin Caveny of Litchfield, Justin (Cassie) Stone of Lewistown, Tysin Stone of Lewistown; great-grandchildren, Cameron Stone and Regan Stone, both of Lewistown; sisters-in-law, Billie Caveny, Kathy Hantla Walden and Arlene Duncan.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband; siblings and their spouses, Boyd (Christie) Duncan, Bill (Margie) Duncan, Robert Duncan, Jinny (Thornton) Leatherby and Ardie (Ed) Caveny.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, Sept. 7, 2023 4 to 7 p.m. at Plummer Funeral Home in Litchfield. The Rosary will be recited at 6:45 p.m., with Deacon Sean Caveny, Marilyn’s nephew, leading.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 8, 2023 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Litchfield. Fr. Daniel J. Willenborg will preside. Burial will be in St. Denis Cemetery in Shipman, IL.

Memorials in her name may be made to Lewistown School District #97 Music Department, or to Litchfield School District #12 Music Department.

Plummer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

To sign the online register book, light a virtual candle, or for more information, visit plummerfuneralservices.com.