Marilyn Keil, 76, of South Bend, Indiana passed away peacefully, with family by her side, at IU Health University Hospital after an extended illness. Marilyn was born February 8,1945 in Bloomington, Indiana to parents Wanda (Wyatt) and Kenneth Parish. She married the love of her life, Jerry Keil, in 1964. They met during their junior year at Libby High School in Toledo, Ohio.
Jerry died tragically just a few years later. She graduated from Ohio University in 1965 with a degree in Sociology. As a women’s and child advocate, she co-founded the local organization, SOS (Sex Offense Staff) in the mid 1970’s which still exists today as Sex Offense Services and is now governed by the Family Justice Center of St Joseph County. Tirelessly, day or night she responded to provide emotional support, counsel and empower victims of sexual assault from the moment of reporting throughout the entire process of medical care, prosecution and aftercare. She worked as a juvenile probation officer and retired from management at Target Corporation in 2006 after 27 years. Marilyn’s favorite past time and passion was sports, most importantly, the Chicago Bears.
Marilyn is survived by her beloved daughter, Amy Keil, grandsons Cage, Dylan and Liam Thompson who were the light and joy of her life, brother, Stephen Parish, shared her love of sports and “Da Bears” which fueled a close and lifelong bond between them, sister-in-law and dearest friend, Sandra (Jack) Koepke, Aunt Martha (Billy) Wyatt, nieces Carole (Norm) Sedlock, Faith (John) Lumbrezer, Libbie (Russ) Mossing, Christi (Jin) Grandowicz, nephews Kyle (Nicole) Parish, Dave (Kathy) Aldridge, Steve (Vicky) Aldridge, cousin Patty (Bob) Baker and many more great nieces, nephews and cousins whom she treasured receiving pictures of as they grew. Marilyn will truly be missed and her memory cherished by all who knew and loved her. A private celebration of Marilyn’s life will be held by immediate family members.