Marilyn Calame

Marilyn L. Calame, died Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at her residence at Cedar Creek of Godfrey.

Born March 1, 1934, in Waynesville, IL she was the daughter of Earl Steiling and Opal (Matthews) Steiling.

She married the late Lewis E. Calame on October 1, 1961.

Marilyn was blessed with a full, long life and lived every moment to the fullest. A lot of Altonians knew Marilyn from her years in the sales business for over 40 years. She moved to Alton from Springfield to work at Myers Brothers department store as a department manager. She moved to managing Vic Schwartz Toggery (men’s clothing) for 10 years in Downtown Alton and if you would ask her, she would say that she fitted most of the Alton gentleman in the finest suits. She could always tell by just looking at them the exact size to fit them in.

She moved to Famous Barr (May Department Stores) where she retired after 20+ years. She sold men’s clothing along with furniture. She was noted for top sales associate 17 years in a row. She loved meeting new people and helping customers with their needs. She only decided to retire so that she could spend more time with her husband of 42 years and start to travel more. 

Marilyn loved to sing and dance and was a wonderful dancer. You would see Marilyn and Lew out most weekends catching up with their close friends, listening to band music and share in the joy of being together in all their good times. Marilyn would almost dance to every song that she could if Lew would have let her.

She had a very strong faith in the lord and attended Faith Fellowship for many years. She also belonged to Alton Wood River Sportsman’s Club and the Joy Singers, that she had the pleasure in going to assisted livings, nursing homes to sing to their residents. 

Marilyn never met a stranger and had a zest for life. In her final years, Marilyn had a stroke, which she managed through with the help of her daughters and granddaughter. She loved going on outings for dinner, listening to music, church or just being out with her friends for a day of fun. 

Marilyn is survived by her daughter Lisa R. Marshall and her husband David of Alton, and her very special person her one and only granddaughter Sydney Renee Marshall of Alton.

She was proceeded in death by her parents, two children, Allan Wynn Swearigen and Marla Calame-Fisk, two brothers, Harold and Blaine “Sam” Steiling, and three sisters, Dorothy Fletcher, V. Ferne Fox and Joyce Shaffer. 

Visitation will be from 3:00-6:00 p.m. Sunday, April 7, 2024, at Gent Funeral Home in Alton. The Reverend Daymond Talkington will officiate the funeral services on Monday April 8, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home.

The family wants to thank Vitas Hospice along with Morningstar Home Health especially Cheryl, Cassie and Ann who cared for Marilyn in more ways than one.

Burial will be at Valhalla Memorial Park in Godfrey. Memorials can be made to Faith Fellowship. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com

As a wise and dear friend said, Just like those flamboyantly magnificent fin tail autos from the 50's - they don't make 'em like that anymore. Marilyn was such a classic.

Obit Provided By:
Gent Funeral Home