Obituary: Marlene Evans

Marlene Kourlesis Evans was born on October 23, 1946, in Aurora and died in Aurora on November 26, 2025, at the age of 79.Marlene lived a full and happy life that was marked by illness at an early age, but she always maintained a very positive attitude even while battling her illnesses. She fought hard to the very end. Her favorite times were always those when her grandchildren were around her, or when she was shopping up in Door County, Wisconsin. She was able to spend many years camping with her husband, John, during the winter months down in Alabama on the Gulf of America, and in the summer months up in Algoma, Wisconsin, on the family farm, and visiting with friends. Marlene also had a special love of decorating and crafting. She made many beautiful cards for many people for the holidays. Marlene taught third grade for many years in Aurora and touched many lives. She produced many great mathematicians as she made sure her students knew all their math facts before they left her grade.She was preceded in death by a son, Thomas Kourlesis, her parents, George and Arlene Morse, a sister, Shirley Campos, and a nephew, Michael Campos. She is survived by her 5 grandchildren, Raymond, Thomas and Abigail Borgra, and Elizabeth and Claire Kourlesis. Marlene is also survived by her husband, John Evans, her two sons Christian (Jennifer) and Jonathan Kourlesis, and her stepdaughter, Deana (Jeffrey) Borgra.She is survived by two sisters, Carol A. Testone (Vince), and Georgianna Burns and one brother, Ronald (LuAnn) Morse. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.There will be a memorial at a later date with family and friends.Marlene will be missed abundantly by her family. We would like to thank the doctors and nurses at the University of Chicago, Dr. Louis Phillipson and his staff. The doctors and nurses at Rush Copley Hospital. The Plainfield Fire Department Ambulance and Firemen, who always responded promptly to our calls for their help.An online guestbook has been made for the family, where you may sign the guestbook, share memories and photographs. You can access this by visiting the website at www.ucdaviscallahan.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to U.C. Davis-Callahan Funeral Home, 301 W. Washington Street, Morris, IL.